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NCR Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Newsletter #24 – March 2022

February 28, 2022

Women’s History Month

 

Did You Know

Why National Women’s Month Is Important

For many years, women weren’t acknowledged enough in historical texts. This isn’t because they weren’t in the midst of important discoveries or helping out with important conquests. It’s mainly because men wrote the majority of historical documents for thousands of years. In March, we dig deep to uncover many of the important roles women have played throughout history.

Women are inspirational

Learning about women who have stood up for their rights and fought for what they believe is fantastic motivation. We all have the power to influence the direction our world is headed in, and National Women’s History Month reminds us of that.

It recognizes the strength and power of women

It’s easy to get caught up in the grind of daily life, but this month is an excellent opportunity to put a spotlight on all of the major things women accomplish each and every day. From domestic chores and carrying babies to fighting wars and governing countries, women are pretty darn amazing.

Facts About Women

  • Over 60 percent of college degrees awarded in the U.S. every year are earned by women.
  • More than 30% of all businesses today are owned and run by women.
  • The two highest IQs ever recorded, through standardized testing, both belong to women.

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New 2022 Quarters Honoring 5 Women

The U.S. Mint will begins circulating quarters honoring five women this year as part of a four-year series celebrating contributions women have made to the United States.

Writer and poet, performer and activist Maya Angelou. Angelou rose to prominence with her autobiography "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." She went on to publish more than two dozen best-selling works including poetry, fiction and nonfiction. In 1993, Angelou read "On the Pulse of Morning" at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton, making her the first African American and woman to recite poetry at a presidential inauguration. As an activist, Angelou served as a coordinator of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference at the request of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Angelou also appeared in plays on and off-Broadway.

The first American woman in space, Sally Ride.  In 1983, Ride was aboard the shuttle Challenger for its six-day mission in space, making her the first woman and, at 32, the youngest American in space at the time. It was the first of two flights into space aboard the shuttle for Ride, who left NASA in 1987.Ride went on to focus her career on educating young people, co-authoring six science books, as well as launching an organization focused on inspiring young people in STEM.

The first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation and women's rights activist Wilma Mankiller.  Mankiller founded the Community Development Department for the Cherokee Nation, which focused on improving housing and water. In 1983, she was named running mate in the re-election bid of Principal Chief Ross Swimmer. The win made her the first woman elected deputy chief of the Cherokee Nation. She was elected chief in 1987 and left office in 1995. In 1998, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Otero-Warren was a leader in New Mexico's suffrage movement, spearheading efforts for the state to ratify the 19th Amendment recognizing women's right to vote. During her efforts, she insisted literature be published in English and Spanish. Otero-Warren was also the first woman to serve as superintendent of the Santa Fe public schools from 1918 to 1929, where she advocated for both Spanish and English in schools, despite an English-only federal mandate. She also was a critic of the government's Indian school system, advocating for better conditions.

Anna May Wong, considered the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood. Wong appeared in more than 60 movies, including one of the first films made in Technicolor, achieving international recognition. In 1951, she was also the first Asian American to lead a U.S. television show.

Lt Col Bonnie Braun
NCR Diversity Officer

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