The BPDA honors Women’s History Month

Mar 25, 2021

by: Barry Reaves, BPDA Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) proudly joins the nation in celebrating Women’s History Month, honoring and celebrating the struggles and achievements of American women throughout the history of the United States.

American women have struggled throughout our history to gain rights not simply for themselves but for many other underrepresented and disenfranchised groups in America.

Women’s History Month had its origins in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week".

As requested by Congress, President Reagan issued Presidential Proclamation 4903 proclaiming the week beginning on March 7, 1982 as the first "Women’s History Week" and recognizing the vital role of women in American history:

American women of every race, creed and ethnic background helped found and build our Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways. American women not only worked to secure their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity but also were principal advocates in the abolitionist, temperance, mental health reform, industrial labor, and social reform movements, as well as the modern civil rights movement.

The BPDA recognizes the rich legacy of women, who welcomed change and challenge, were fearless when establishing new norms and traditions, and without hesitation demonstrated their dedication to our country.

This Women’s History Month we want to highlight two women who have made history in Boston this year. On March 24, 2020 Kim Janey was sworn in as the first woman and first Black Mayor of Boston. In 2020, Priscilla Rojas was elected the first woman and first Latina Chair of the BPDA Board of Directors. Congratulations Mayor Janey and Chairwoman Rojas on your incredible achievements.