Join us for an inspiring interview with Sha Battle as we delve into the origins and significance of National Black Women’s History Month. Discover how this celebration honors the achievements of Black women and learn how you can participate in this important month.
Courtesy of Sha Battle
Argus: I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to interview Sha Battle and explore the inspiring story behind National Black Women’s History Month—a celebration that shines a well-deserved spotlight on the achievements and contributions of Black women throughout history. Let’s dive into what led to the creation of this important month, the impact it’s already making, and the exciting ways we can all participate in the celebration.
Sha, thank you for joining me. I appreciate your joining me and I know the Argus readers will appreciate this information–especially those who didn’t know about National Black Women’s History Month and that you initiated its creation.
Argus: What inspired you to create National Black Women’s History Month, and how did that idea come to you?
Sha: I have another organization called Black Women in Jazz and the Arts, which I started in 2013. We hosted our first awards show in May 2014. As I was researching women to honor, I kept discovering so many incredible achievements by Black women—things I hadn’t known about before.
I realized that if I didn’t know about these women and their contributions, then many others probably didn’t either. In school, we only learned about a handful of Black figures, and it was often the same individuals every year. It struck me that there was a real gap in recognition for Black women’s accomplishments.
Around that time, Women’s History Month was gaining prominence, and of course we had Black History Month, but I thought, “Why don’t we have a Black Women’s History Month?” After all, Black women have been making remarkable contributions for so long, and they deserve to be recognized.
I decided to look into it—I was sure someone else must have already created something similar. But after researching, I found that no one was doing it. I thought, “If you see something that needs to be done, and you believe it should exist, then it’s up to you to make it happen.” So that’s what I did. I created National Black Women’s History Month.
Argus: What impact do you hope that thought process has on communities across the country?
Sha: I hope that as many of us as possible can learn about these achievements, integrate them into our family stories, and teach our children how important it is to recognize and acknowledge Black women’s contributions to history.
Argus: You also mentioned that your grandmothers taught you certain things about Black women and their accomplishments. Could you pinpoint anything in particular?
Sha: I could pinpoint a lot of things. One of my grandmothers, my paternal grandmother, was especially good at passing down stories. These stories build on each other. You might hear one grandmother say, “Well, my grandmother fed people, too,” and another might chime in, “My grandmother did such and such, too.”
It’s really about building a collective memory and acknowledging how Black women have contributed, created, and done so many incredible things. Whether it’s caring for other people’s children, their own children, or building up their communities, Black women have been a constant source of strength and support.
We’ve done some truly amazing things–we are amazing people, and I think we all need to take time to teach and uplift one another. That means encouraging and amplifying each other’s voices, because we all need encouragement at times.
We also must celebrate each other. Every one of us has done something impressive, valuable and needed. Black women, especially, should make sure we use our voices to uplift and support one another. And now we’ve got our own month. We don’t have to share Women’s History Month or even Black History Month—we have our own month.
Of course, we can celebrate and share in Black History Month as well as Women’s History Month. But when our month arrives, it’s a time just for us to be celebrated. Think about it—that’s three months in a row to celebrate.
Argus: Back-to-back.
Sha: Right! So, we have a lot to celebrate, and we should embrace that. I actually love counting down the days every year. I get so excited when that time comes around. It’s our month and it’s a powerful opportunity to reflect on and honor everything we’ve achieved.
Argus: What year did National Black Women’s History Month actually come to fruition?
Sha: It officially started in April 2016; and next year will mark ten years—an entire decade! I’m already thinking about how we’ll celebrate that milestone. It’s going to be a big celebration. That’s why I’m glad to put the word out now. I’m planning ahead and taking it seriously. If we start planning now, we’ll be ready to do something really special next year.
Argus: I agree, totally. And, I also think that with the publication of this article, and more people getting educated, they’ll want to join you—not only in celebrating now, but in the ten-year celebration.
Sha: I hope so. I think people will have ideas, suggestions, or something to contribute. In fact, I shared the news on my socials the other day. I have an event coming up later this month where I’m planning to showcase this initiative. It’s really impressive and so impactful. I think people will be excited to learn more and get involved.
Argus: If people are interested in connecting with you or learning more about what you’re doing—especially with National Black Women’s History Month—where can they find you?
Sha: They can visit my website at www.blackwomenshistorymonth.com. The “women’s” in the URL is plural, so make sure it’s spelled out: “blackwomenshistorymonth.com.” I’m also on Facebook under “Sha – Black Women’s History Month” and in the group “April is Black Women’s History Month.” I’m happy to connect with anyone who wants to learn more or get involved.
Argus: Thank you for sharing that because I’m sure people will be interested in learning more and connecting with you.
Sha: Okay.
Argus: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start something new, but feels unsure about taking the leap?
Sha: If you see something that needs to be done, and you find that it’s not being done, then it’s up to you to do it. I’d say have the courage of your convictions—just set out and do what you know needs to be done. By doing so, you make things easier for others, educate people, and help them see what’s possible.
People need to be educated, inspired and shown that someone cares enough to take action. Whatever it is you’re passionate about, take that leap. Don’t wait for someone else to step in. Often, if you leave it to someone else, it might never happen, or it might not be done the way you think it should be.
For example, when I created Black Women’s History Month, I knew we needed something that truly celebrated women in a meaningful way. That’s why I decided to create an award show. I make sure it’s extremely well thought-out and detailed. I don’t leave a single stone unturned because I deeply believe in the value of Black women.
To me, Black women are invaluable. We absolutely deserve to be celebrated, and I go above and beyond to make sure they receive the recognition they deserve.
Argus: How do you envision the future of National Black Women’s History Month, and what would success look like ten years from now?
Sha: For me, it means expanding the celebrations so the award show grows bigger and bigger, becoming an event you simply have to experience. I want to see it evolve into a worldwide celebration—something recognized by cities and states everywhere.
Argus: What do you hope women will feel as this celebration grows?
Sha: I want women to feel truly valued and empowered. Not only will they have a month dedicated to celebrating them, but they’ll also feel proud and inspired by the recognition. The celebrations should uplift them and the people who are honoring them, creating a sense of unity and joy that lasts well beyond the month itself.
Argus: As we wrap up, if you could highlight just one individual whose story embodies the spirit of this month, who would it be and why?
Sha: It would have to be my paternal grandmother, Kitty Ann Atwater. She had such incredible courage, and that courage inspired me deeply. She offered so much to me as a person, but also to my cousins, my sister—all of us, really. She especially influenced the women in our family– the men as well.
She taught us so much. Her wisdom showed us how to navigate life, how to handle challenges and how to make our way in the world. Her example of strength and resilience is what I carry with me every day. That’s why she truly embodies the spirit of National Black Women’s History Month.
Argus: To have your grandmother as your role model and as the embodiment of National Black Women’s History Month—that’s huge.
Sha: Thank you; and you know what? One thing she always taught me. She said, “You can do anything you want to do.”
Argus: Well, the spirit of Grandma Kitty is definitely shown in you.
Sha: Yeah. I literally think I’m Superwoman. (laughs)
Argus: So, I think…your grandmother and your spirit of wanting to try, do better, be better and be more—those qualities shine through. I think that’s a great way to end today’s discussion. Thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time and sharing your story to the St. Louis Argus.
Sha: You’re welcome and thank you so much for doing this. I really, really appreciate it.
Linda Pritchard is a soft skills consultant, content writer, and fashion enthusiast with a passion for movies, books, and chocolate. When she’s not busy consulting, writing, or curating her style, she continually strives for personal growth and self-improvement.
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