April marks International Black Women’s History Month, a growing global observance dedicated to recognizing the contributions, resilience, and impact of Black women across generations. This year’s theme—“Black Women: Sharing Our Stories, Honoring Our Legacies”—centers the power of storytelling, cultural preservation, and the enduring influence of Black women worldwide.
Founded in 2016 by Sha Battle, the observance was created to fill a gap left by traditional historical narratives.
“When you Google Black History Month, it’s often the same handful of names,” Battle told ESSENCE. “I thought, we need our own month because there are so many incredible stories that go unrecognized.”
Battle, a Georgia native and entrepreneur who has worked with major corporations including Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, and PricewaterhouseCoopers, said her vision was to create something “legendary” that would uplift women of African descent across the diaspora.
Centering Black Women’s stories
At its core, this year’s theme emphasizes three pillars: Identity, storytelling, and legacy.
“Black Women” intentionally centers the lived experiences, identities, and contributions of Black women—stories that have historically been overlooked or marginalized.
“Sharing Our Stories” calls for truth-telling and self-expression, highlighting both personal and collective narratives that shape communities. It underscores the importance of documenting experiences that have too often been excluded from mainstream history.
“We need our own month because there are so many incredible stories that go unrecognized.”
Sha Battle, Founder
“Honoring Our Legacies” focuses on recognizing the impact Black women have made culturally, socially, politically, and personally—from ancestors and activists to artists, entrepreneurs, and everyday caregivers whose influence continues to shape the present.
Together, these pillars reflect a broader message of empowerment rooted in faith, resilience, and self-worth.
A movement gaining momentum
What began as a local initiative in Atlanta has expanded nationally and internationally. In 2024, Virginia lawmakers advanced legislation formally recognizing April as Black Women’s History Month, signaling growing institutional support.
Organizations beyond the United States have also embraced the observance. Leaders within the NAACP Vancouver Branch noted that the contributions of Black women are so vast they deserve dedicated recognition beyond traditional observances.
Battle hopes to see the month adopted more widely, encouraging communities to advocate for official recognition and incorporate Black women’s history into education systems.
“I want to build understanding and awareness,” she said. “Ensuring that children as well as adults are educated on Black and minority women’s rich history.”
Why it matters
International Black Women’s History Month is more than a celebration—it is a call to action.
For generations, Black women have played pivotal roles in shaping history, often without acknowledgment. From freedom fighters like Harriet Tubman to political pioneers like Shirley Chisholm, their contributions span every sector, including education, science, the arts, and civil rights.
Yet many of these stories remain absent from textbooks and mainstream narratives.
The observance serves several critical purposes:
- Acknowledging overlooked contributions that have shaped society
- Amplifying voices and narratives historically left out
- Highlighting intersectionality, where race and gender intersect to create unique challenges
- Inspiring future generations through representation and storytelling
- Advocating for continued equity and justice
It also creates space for unity and dialogue, encouraging communities to confront systemic inequities while celebrating cultural richness.
A global legacy
Black Women’s History Month extends beyond U.S. borders, honoring women of African descent across the diaspora—from Afro-Latina and Afro-Caribbean communities to Black women in Europe, Australia, and beyond.
Battle describes the movement as one rooted in both visibility and unity.
“Black Women’s History Month is about embracing achievements, building awareness, and celebrating the rich history of past, present, and future generations,” she said.
She often likens Black women to black orchids—symbols of strength, beauty, and power.
Looking ahead
As the observance continues to grow, its message remains clear: Black women’s stories are not optional—they are essential.
In a world still grappling with issues of equity and representation, International Black Women’s History Month stands as both a celebration and a reminder of how far Black women have come, and how much further there is to go.
