Women’s History Month: fast facts

During the month of March, Atlanta Free Speech will highlight notable women from all areas of the world to celebrate Women’s History Month. For centuries, women have fought to gain equal access and opportunities like their male counterparts. The woman’s mind and body have always been issues for the discussion of men. We see this today with the recent attempt to over turn Roe v. Wade. As we highlight women who have broken gender barriers, remember that there is much more that needs to be done.

As we begin this journey, let us begin by sharing with you some important dates in Women’s History.

On Jan. 12, 1915, the United States House of Representatives rejected a proposal to give women the right to vote.

On Aug. 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing American women the right to vote, was declared in effect.

On June 17, 1928, Amelia Earhart embarked on the first trans-Atlantic flight by a woman. She flew from Newfoundland to Wales in about 21 hours.

On March 4, 1933, the start of President Roosevelt’s first administration introduced the first woman to serve in the Cabinet: Labor Secretary Frances Perkins.

On Jan. 11, 1935, aviator Amelia Earhart began a trip from Honolulu to Oakland, California, becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean.

On June 2, 1953, Queen Elizabeth II of Britain was crowned in Westminster Abbey, 16 months after the death of her father, King George VI.

On July 6, 1957, Althea Gibson became the first black tennis player to win a Wimbledon singles title, defeating fellow American Darlene Hard 6-3, 6-2.

On March 22, 1972, Congress sent the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution to the states for ratification. It fell short of the three-fourths approval needed.

On Jan. 22, 1973, in its Roe vs. Wade decision, the Supreme Court legalized abortions, using a trimester approach.

On Sept. 20, 1973, Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in straight sets 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in a $100,000 winner-take-all tennis match.

On July 7, 1981, President Reagan announced he was nominating Arizona Judge Sandra Day O’Connor to become the first female justice on the United States Supreme Court.

On July 12, 1984, Democratic presidential candidate Walter F. Mondale named New York Congresswoman Geraldine A. Ferraro his running mate, making her the first woman to run on a major party ticket.

On Oct. 31, 1984, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated near her residence by two Sikh security guards.