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Date: 3/30/2022
SPRINGFIELD – Community members gathered to celebrate Women’s History Month during a March 10 ceremony.
Ayanna Crawford, who helped in organizing the event alongside Mayoral Aide Lavar Click-Bruce, introduced the event by speaking on the importance of honoring women’s essential contributions to the community. She reflected on the significance of her mother and mothers across Springfield played in shaping lives.
“We dedicate this day to all the mothers in our city … Without our mothers, we would not be the women or the men that we are today. We recognize that and celebrate that,” said Crawford.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno took the podium to reflect on the importance of Women’s History Month, ultimately issuing a proclamation declaring March as Women’s History Month. “We recognize that while considerable progress has been made on this journey since International Women’s Day was first celebrated 110 years ago, there is still progress to be made…there is no history or future without women,” said Sarno in his proclamation.
City Councilor At-Large Kateri Walsh also spoke at the event. Walsh highlighted the recent creation of the Women’s Commission, who gathered for their first meeting on March 8. Including Walsh, Crawford and School Committee member LaTonia Naylor among others, the city councilor expressed her expectations for what the commission will accomplish.
“We are looking forward to great things. I know that this commission will have an incredible lasting impact on women and girls throughout the city,” said Walsh.
Walsh then detailed the history behind National Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, reflecting upon the gradual process that occurred leading to the modern times. “Women are running for the highest office in the land, and they are incredible and serious candidates,” said Walsh.
After a poem from Lynnette Johnson, former Framingham Mayor Dr. Yvonne Spicer, who is recognized as the first African American woman elected mayor in Massachusetts, provided an address as the event’s guest speaker. Spicer reflected upon her journey as a trailblazer throughout her life.
“Always pursue something despite what the obstacles might be…it’s hard to fight racism and sexism, but I am still able to continue on,” said Spicer.
Sarno and Crawford concluded the ceremony by acknowledging Willette Johnson, Page Monroe, Teka Jones, Naomi Naylor and Sarah Marino for their contributions to the community.