International Black Women's History Month 

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1. Overview

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International Black Women's History Month is an annual observance celebrated throughout the month of April. While February is dedicated to Black History and March to Women's History, April was specifically designated to focus on the unique, intersectional experiences and contributions of Black women and women of the African Diaspora. It serves to amplify voices that are often overshadowed in broader historical narratives and to celebrate achievements across all fields—from STEM and politics to "domestic engineering" and the arts.

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2. Historical Origins

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The movement to dedicate April to Black women was founded in 2016 by Sha Battle, an Atlanta-based entrepreneur and tech consultant.

Why April?

Battle established the month following the conclusion of Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March). Her rationale was rooted in the feeling that these two months, while vital, often failed to provide enough space to fully explore the specific legacy of Black women.

• ●    February often focuses on a male-centric view of the Civil Rights movement.

• ●    March often centers on the narratives of white feminists.

• ●    April provides a dedicated "third space" to celebrate the "Black Orchid"—a metaphor often used by the movement to describe the rare, resilient, and beautiful nature of Black womanhood.

Official Recognition

• ●    Atlanta, GA (2016): The movement began with an official proclamation from the Atlanta City Council and a commendation from the Governor of Georgia.

• ●    Virginia (2024): In a significant milestone, the state of Virginia officially designated April as Black Women’s History Month through state legislation.

• ●    Global Reach: While it started in the United States, it is increasingly referred to as "International Black Women's History Month" to include the global African Diaspora.

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3. Core Objectives

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The observance is built upon five pillars:

1. 1.    Visibility: Bringing "unsung" heroines into the light.

2. 2.    Education: Teaching the specific history of Black women in schools and workplaces.

3. 3.    Empowerment: Inspiring current and future generations of Black girls.

4. 4.    Contribution: Acknowledging the "debt" society owes to the labor and innovation of Black women.

5. 5.    Achievement: Celebrating modern-day "firsts" and leaders.

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4. Key Figures Often Highlighted

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While any Black woman's history is valid for study, the month often spotlights figures who challenged both racial and gender barriers:

• ●    Sojourner Truth: For her "Ain't I a Woman?" intersectional advocacy.

• ●    Shirley Chisholm: The first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and the first to run for a major party's presidential nomination.

• ●    Dr. Mae Jemison: The first Black woman to travel in space.

• ●    Ella Baker: The "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement" who worked behind the scenes to empower grassroots leadership.

• ●    Mary McLeod Bethune: Educator and stateswoman who founded Bethune-Cookman University.

• ●    Mary Kenner: An inventor who held five patents, including for the sanitary belt.

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5. Educational Activities & Engagement

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For Classrooms

• ●    The "Folding Chair" Project: Inspired by Shirley Chisholm's quote, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair," students can research a Black woman who created her own space in an industry where she was excluded.

• ●    Hidden Figures in STEM: Beyond the famous NASA mathematicians, have students research modern Black women in tech, bio-medicine, and environmental science.

• ●    Womanist Literature Circles: Study the works of Alice Walker (who coined the term "Womanism") or Toni Morrison to understand the literary contributions of the Diaspora.

For Communities & Organizations

• ●    Support Black Women-Owned Businesses: Dedicate one week of April to exclusively sourcing services or products from Black female entrepreneurs.

• ●    Oral History Interviews: Record the stories of elder Black women in your local community to ensure their "everyday" history is preserved.

• ●    Black Orchid Awards: Create a local ceremony to recognize Black women who are making history in your city or neighborhood today.

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6. Digital Resources & External Links

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Official & Primary Sources

• ●    Black Women's History Month Official Site: The primary hub for the movement founded by Sha Battle, featuring themes, merchandise, and event listings.

• ●    National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA): While they manage Women's History Month, they provide specific toolkits for Black female "Firsts."

• ●    Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH): Founded by Carter G. Woodson, this organization provides scholarly context for the intersection of Black and female history.

Archival & Research Tools

• ●    The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: Part of the NYPL, this is the gold standard for researching the global Black experience.

• ●    National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC): Explore their "Explore" tab for digital exhibitions specifically on Black women’s activism and style.

• ●    Say Her Name Movement: For resources on the specific history of Black women and state violence, providing a modern civil rights context.

Multimedia & Syllabi

• ●    The #SchomburgSyllabus: A collection of 27 themes relating to Black studies, including sections on Black Feminism and Womanism.

• ●    PBS: Black Women in American History: A curated collection of articles and videos highlighting historical breakthroughs.

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7. Conclusion

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Black Women's History Month in April is more than just a celebration; it is a corrective measure for a historical record that has frequently erased the labor of Black women. By dedicating this specific time, educators and citizens can ensure that the "backbone of society" is recognized not just for their strength, but for their intellectual and creative genius.