WHEREAS, American women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and WHEREAS, American women have played and continue to play a critical economic, cultural, and social role in every sphere of the life of the Nation by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working inside and outside of the home; and WHEREAS, American women have played a unique role throughout the history of the Nation by providing the majority of the volunteer labor force of the Nation; and WHEREAS, American women were essential in the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions in our Nation; and WHEREAS, American women of every race, class, and ethnic background served as early leaders at the forefront of every significant progressive social change movement; and WHEREAS, American women have served our country courageously in the military; WHEREAS, American women have been leaders not only in securing their rights of voting and equal opportunity but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and other movements, especially the peace movement, which create a more fair and just society for all; and WHEREAS, despite these contributions, the role of American women in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued in the literature, teaching, and study of American history:
WHEREAS, the theme for 2024 celebrates “Women who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” The National Women's History Alliance designates the Women’s History Month theme; and WHEREAS, this year’s timely theme highlights the crucial role women play in reshaping institutions and social interactions to eliminate bias and discrimination; and WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa pays tribute to the enduring contributions of historical and contemporary local women who have demonstrated leadership in emphasizing the significance of change and instituting more robust safeguards and practices that reflect these fundamental values.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa, do hereby proclaim the month of March 2024 as Women's History Month and call upon all Costa Mesa residents to observe this month and celebrate women who work for basic inclusion, equality, and fairness.
DATED this fifth day of March 2024.
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John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa