Kansas City, it’s time to trade basketball brackets for something even more inspiring this March—Women’s History Month! This annual celebration isn’t just about looking back at history; it’s about honoring the women who’ve shaped our world and continue to inspire future generations. So, grab your coffee (or your barbecue sauce) and let’s dive into how KC can celebrate women who’ve made history, are making history, and will make history.
Why March Matters
Before we get into the fun stuff, let’s talk about why March is the chosen month for Women’s History Month. It all started as Women’s History Week in 1978 in Santa Rosa, California. The week was strategically aligned with International Women’s Day on March 8. Fast forward to 1987, Congress decided one week wasn’t enough to honor women’s contributions, so they gave us the full month.
This year’s theme is “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” It’s a call to action for everyone to celebrate women who are paving the way for a brighter future.
KC’s Local Legends
Kansas City has its fair share of trailblazing women. From jazz legends like Mary Lou Williams to modern-day innovators like Rachel Balkovec—the first woman to manage an MLB affiliate team—KC women have been breaking barriers for decades. Let’s not forget Lucile Bluford, the journalist and civil rights activist who fought tirelessly for equality in education and media. These women embody the spirit of resilience and creativity that makes Kansas City great.
Events Worth Your Time
Looking for ways to celebrate? Kansas City has plenty going on this month. Here are some ideas:
- Walk for Women: Lace up your sneakers and join a community walk to honor women everywhere. Whether you’re marching through Loose Park or strolling along the River Market, it’s a great way to show solidarity.
- Support Women-Owned Businesses: Treat yourself while supporting local women entrepreneurs. Whether it’s grabbing coffee at a woman-owned café or shopping at boutiques run by female designers, every purchase counts.
- Host a Movie Night: Gather your friends and watch films directed by or starring powerful women. Think Hidden Figures, Little Women, or anything by Greta Gerwig. Bonus points if you pair it with snacks from KC’s female-owned businesses.
- Book Club Magic: Dive into literature written by women. Jane Austen, Maya Angelou, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie—the options are endless. Local bookstores often have curated selections for Women’s History Month.
Icons Who Inspire
Let’s take a moment to appreciate some of the global icons who’ve paved the way for progress:
- Rosa Parks: Her refusal to give up her bus seat wasn’t just an act of defiance; it was a spark that ignited the Civil Rights Movement.
- Marie Curie: The first person (not just woman!) to win two Nobel Prizes, Curie revolutionized science with her discoveries about radioactivity.
- Malala Yousafzai: At just 27 years old, Malala continues to fight for girls’ education worldwide after surviving an assassination attempt.
- Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul didn’t just sing; she demanded “Respect” and became a symbol of empowerment.
These women remind us that greatness comes in many forms—whether it’s in music, science, activism, or sports.
Get Social (Media)
If you’re not ready to leave your couch but still want to celebrate, social media is your best friend this month. Share inspiring quotes from women leaders, post profiles of historical icons like Amelia Earhart or Oprah Winfrey, or highlight local KC women making waves today. Use hashtags like #WomensHistoryMonth and #WhyIWalk to join the global conversation.
Make It Personal
Celebrating Women’s History Month doesn’t have to be complicated or grandiose. Sometimes it’s as simple as saying “thank you” to the women in your life who inspire you daily—your mom, your sister, your coworker, or even that barista who always gets your order right.
This March in Kansas City is about more than just honoring history; it’s about creating history together. Whether you’re walking through town with purpose or sharing stories online, every little action contributes to a bigger picture of empowerment and progress. So KC folks—let’s make this Women’s History Month one for the books!
Sources: womenshistory.org, blog.soroptimist.org, biography.com
Header Image Source: Library of Congress on Unsplash
