The founder of National Black Women’s History Day and Month on legacy, visibility, courage, and why April matters more than ever.
Some conversations arrive at exactly the right time. Others arrive because the moment demands them. A conversation with Sha Battle, founder of National Black Women’s History Day and Month, feels like both.
At a time when Black women are navigating extraordinary pressure—professionally, economically, politically, and personally—Battle’s work lands with uncommon force. The cultural climate is tense. The economic realities are uneven. The recognition Black women deserve still too often lags behind the labor, brilliance, and leadership they consistently provide. In that gap between contribution and acknowledgment, Battle has spent the last decade building something intentional: a dedicated observance that centers Black women not as an aside, but as the story itself.
The Realization That Sparked a Movement
Battle’s journey began while researching for her earlier venture, Black Women in Jazz and the Arts, an awards platform honoring Black women. During her research, she noticed a troubling pattern: the same handful of Black women were repeatedly highlighted during Black History Month and Women’s History Month.
This realization led her to create International Black Women’s History Month, observed in April, with April 2 designated as International Black Women’s History Day. For Battle, this was not just about inclusion—it was about creating a framework where Black women’s contributions were fully celebrated.
Why April Matters for Black Women’s History
A Month of Renewal and Recognition
The choice of April was intentional. Battle wanted a month that symbolized renewal and possibility. Spring, with its energy of emergence and growth, felt like the perfect time to honor Black women’s history. April also follows Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March, creating a natural sequence that transitions from broader history to a focused celebration of Black women.
More Than Recognition: A Mission of Restoration
For Battle, Black Women’s History Month is not just about celebration—it’s about restoration. Growing up, she noticed the absence of Black women’s stories in her education. This lack of representation, she argues, distorts narratives and minimizes the importance of Black women’s contributions.
By creating this observance, Battle aims to correct these omissions, offering Black women and girls a fuller understanding of their lineage and legacy. This is not just a commemorative idea; it’s a cultural intervention.
Legacy and the Women Who Shaped Her
Honoring Everyday Heroes
When asked about her influences, Battle begins with her mother and grandmothers. These women, though not widely famous, shaped her understanding of leadership through their quiet strength, courage, and consistency. Battle’s framework for Black Women’s History Month reflects this ethos, celebrating not only famous figures but also the unsung heroes whose labor and sacrifice built communities.
The Moment the Movement Became Real
Initially, Battle faced skepticism—even from family. But a pivotal moment came when a young woman reached out, sharing that she had been organizing events for Black Women’s History Month. This message confirmed that the idea had taken root and was being embraced by younger generations. It was no longer just an idea—it was a movement.
Why Black Women’s History Month Matters Now
In today’s cultural climate, Battle believes this observance is more urgent than ever. Black women need to understand their collective power and see themselves as central, not marginal. This month reframes the narrative, reminding Black women that they are essential, not secondary.
How to Support Black Women’s History Month
Awareness and Action
Battle encourages individuals and organizations to:
- Share information about Black Women’s History Month widely.
- Celebrate intentionally by attending events, donating, and purchasing educational resources.
- Support single mothers through practical assistance like groceries and rent.
Her organization offers books, journals, T-shirts, and other resources, including a children’s book explaining the observance in an accessible way.
Celebrating Ten Years in Atlanta
To mark the tenth anniversary, Battle is hosting a three-day celebration in Atlanta on April 24-26 at the Atlanta Airport Marriott. The event includes a 70s party, a Shades of Pink and Yellow Masked Heritage Ball, and a Praise Breakfast, reflecting the joy and reverence of the observance.
The Larger Lesson
What Sha Battle has built is more than a commemorative month—it’s a cultural intervention. She is asking Black women to know themselves more fully, communities to honor them more truthfully, and institutions to expand their historical presence beyond a curated few.
Black women’s history is vast, global, and still unfolding. It deserves more than acknowledgment—it deserves structure, language, and space.
For more information, visit www.blackwomenshistorymonth.com.
Related Topics:
- The Importance of Representation in History
- Learn more about Women’s History Month at womenshistory.org.
About Linda Pritchard
Linda Pritchard is a soft skills consultant, content writer, fashionista, lover of movies, books & chocolate. When she isn’t consulting, writing or styling, she is aspiring to do and be better.
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