In honor of Women’s History Month, Florida A&M University and organizations are celebrating women through on-campus events and social media challenges. 

March 8 marked International Women’s Day, a global celebration recognizing women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements. According to the National Women’s History Alliance, this day expanded into a week-long celebration in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation. In 1987, Congress officially designated March as Women’s History Month, a tradition that continues annually with a Presidential Proclamation honoring women’s contributions. 

At FAMU, organizations such as the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the FAMU Royal Court show appreciation for women through interactive initiatives. 

On March 3, the FAMU Royal Court hosted a “Black Girls Matter Meet-Up Brunch,” featuring beauty brands such as Impressions of Beauty, Design Essentials and Camille Rose. Demi Howard, the Queen of Orange and Green, expressed that the event aimed to unite like-minded women. 

“We wanted to share a space with young Black creators in every capacity and set an example,” Howard said. “It was empowering for young Black women, especially because one of the panelists was a FAMU alumna.” 

Meanwhile, the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, launched an Instagram challenge called #BAChangeMaker25. Participants were encouraged to create an engaging video explaining how their favorite historical African American female activist has inspired them to advocate for change today. The winner received a $50 Visa gift card. 

Ashley Bigbee, a sorority member, shared that the importance of the virtual initiative was to highlight impactful women who may not always receive their flowers. 

“For about a week, different participants shared videos on Instagram recognizing women who may not always be in the spotlight,” Bigbee said. 

FAMU’s official Instagram account, FAMU_1887, also initiated a virtual campaign to recognize women who have broken barriers at the university. Using the hashtag #QueensOfTheHill, the campaign has spotlighted trailblazers such as Vice President and Director of Athletics Angela Suggs, who was recently honored at the SWAC Game ChangeHER awards, actress Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Disney’s first Black princess, Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog” and FAMU’s First Lady Wendy Beard.

Through these initiatives, FAMU continues to amplify and acknowledge the contributions of women, both within the university and beyond, ensuring their impact is recognized and celebrated during Women’s History Month.