BLACK WOMEN LEADING THE WAY TO EQUITY
AAUW National February 19, 2023
On Black History Month, it’s inspiring to be reminded of early pioneers—but we must also remember that Black women make history every day.
I can’t think of a better illustration of that than AAUW’s Fellows and Grantees. Our alumnae include everyone from Barbara Smith, who helped establish Black women’s studies in the 1970s, to Claudine Gay, who will become the first Black president of Harvard University this year. Visit our website and social media posts to meet trailblazing Black women from every era.
We should also reflect on the enormous obstacles confronting Black women, then and now. AAUW research highlights how the pernicious “double impact” of racism and sexism translates into larger pay gaps and greater student debt—and the actions we must take to stop this aspect of history from repeating.
In other milestone news: This month marks the 30th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act, the landmark law affording workers unpaid leave to care for themselves and others. I was honored to attend a celebratory White House event, while joining with other activists to demand the next step: paid leave for all. It’s another reminder that the weight of history is in our hands.
In solidarity,
Gloria L. Blackwell
Chief Executive Officer