“Women’s history is indispensable and essential to the emancipation of women. Girls need to understand that they are part of a long tradition of strength, creativity, and achievement.”
-Gerda Lerner
Trailblazers. Mentors. Leaders. March has arrived ushering in a dedicated time to commemorate and study the vital contributions of women to history and society. A local celebration in California turned into a national Women’s History Week under President Jimmy Carter’s administration, and under President Ronald Reagan’s administration, became a month-long observance. The insurmountable achievements of all women past and present in the areas of equality, philanthropy, medicine, science, education and beyond are acknowledged. At a time where divisiveness characterizes the current state of the country, the befitting 2025 Women’s History Month theme, according to the National Women’s Alliance, is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.”
Philanthropy and Education
Pearl Carina Anderson, a renowned philanthropist and educator is credited for her substantial generosity and achievements to educational initiatives. An ambitious entrepreneur, she purchased land and obtained materials to build a grocery store in South Dallas that was eventually paid off and leased. After the passing of her husband, John Wesley Anderson, a prominent physician, she had lucrative properties and used her wealth to establish a preschool, fund scholarships at Bishop College, UNT, and SMU, and benefit many other causes towards education and health, including the Dallas Community Chest Trust Fund.
Medicine
Dr. Patricia Bath invented laserphaco, a new device and technique to remove cataracts. It performed all steps of cataract removal: making the incision, destroying the lens and vacuuming out the fractured pieces. Bath is recognized as the first Black woman physician to receive a medical patent.
Businesswoman and Leadership
Ursula M. Burns is the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company as CEO of Xerox from 2009 to 2016. Burns is also known for serving on the board of directors of multiple large American companies, including Uber, American Express and ExxonMobil. Under President Barack Obama, she led the White House national program on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from 2009 to 2016. In 2014, Forbes rated Burns as the 22nd most powerful woman in the world.
Southern Dallas Magazine celebrates all women past and present and thank you for your contributions!
