In today’s blog post, the Center for Social Solutions takes a look back at the historic events that occurred during the month of March. While these occasions are now matters of the past, each one has had a significant impact on contemporary America. Events related to each of the center’s four initiatives—Diversity and Democracy; Slavery and Its Aftermath; Water, Equity and Security; and the Future of Work—are included.

 

 

March 4, 1913

The U.S. Department of Labor was formed after President William Howard Taft signed it into law on the last day of his presidency. The U.S. Department of Labor is in charge of protecting and advancing the welfare of workers across the country. It enforces important federal laws including the Fair Labor Standards Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act among others.

 

March 20, 1852 

Harriet Beacher Stowe published her renowned novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin which spoke of the brutal realities of slavery and helped spark anti-slavery sentiments across the country. Uncle Tom’s Cabin is credited as being a key part of the abolitionist movement during the 1800’s.

 

March 22, 1972

The Equal Rights Amendment was passed by the U.S. Senate and sent to states for ratification. The amendment stated that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” However, only 22 of the required 38 states ratified the amendment immediately, although several others have done so since then. Objections to the amendment centered mainly around mandatory draft requirements for women and the removal of other special protections.

 

March 22, 1993 

World Water Day was first observed internationally after being officially declared as a day of observance by the United Nations General Assembly. The purpose of World Water Day is to recognize the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of freshwater resources globally. 

 

March, 1965

A series of civil rights protests took place in Alabama that would come to be known as the Selma to Montgomery marches. On March 7, a group of protesters trying to march from Selma to Montgomery were violently stopped by state troopers in an event that became known as “Bloody Sunday.” On March 9, a protest march led by Martin Luther King Jr. was similarly halted by state troopers and was forced to turn back. Finally, on March 25 a group of 2,000 protesters including Martin Luther King Jr. marched successfully from Selma to Montgomery with protection and endorsement from the federal government and demanded for the passage of new civil rights legislation.