Honoring the achievements and essential roles played by women in American society was the impetus behind the first official celebration of women’s history in 1982. Originally lasting just a week, the National Women’s History Project lobbied Congress to make the event month-long, succeeding in 1987 when the first “Women’s History Month” was celebrated.

International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, similarly highlights the achievements and accomplishments of women across the globe. This year’s theme is “Make It Happen,” calling for greater gender equality to harness the untapped potential of women.

Events to mark women’s history are taking place across the state, including a celebration at Rockford University honoring local women who have had a lasting impact on the community, “Herstory Weekend” in Belleville and even special women’s history deals at restaurants in Chicagoland. 

Learn more:
Women’s History Month
International Women’s Day

Minnie Minoso made national headlines in the 1950s becoming the Chicago White Sox’s first black player.

Minoso was born in Cuba and came to the United States to play professional baseball. He played in Major League Baseball for 17 years, 12 of which were with the Chicago White Sox.

Minoso was an outfielder who many at the time considered one of baseball’s most exciting players. Known as an ever-upbeat player, Minoso in his later years was known to always have a smile and something “nice to say to somebody.”

During Minoso’s five-decade career, he played with the St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Senators and the Cleveland Indians.

Learn more:
Ex-White Sox star Minnie Minoso dies (ESPN Chicago)
Sports Illustrated – Minnie Minoso

Happy Birthday to our very own Sweet Home Chicago! Chicago was incorporated on March 4, 1837.

We all know Chicago wears many hats for our state and country and holds many distinctions for its culture, business, history, food, entertainment and so on. Many of those accolades have been featured here on our website.

The Chicago Hstory Museum will host a party today from 10 to 1, and Eli's Cheesecake on Forest Preserve Drive is offering free slices in honor of the city's big day.

The Tribune's RedEye reminds us of many reasons why the Second City is really #1.

For the second year in a row, March 3 is recognized around the globe as “World Wildlife Day,” drawing attention to endangered and protected species and celebrating the diverse array of animals around the globe.

The United Nations passed a resolution in late 2013 setting the stage for the first “World Wildlife Day” in 2014. The resolution sought to ensure “that global trade in close to 35,000 species of plants and animals does not threaten their survival.”

To honor the day, the U.S. Department of State hosted a Google+ Hangout today about combating wildlife trafficking and the role the crime plays in destabilizing the economies of involved countries.

Here in Illinois, the Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo and Brookfield Zoo all dedicate significant resources towards conservation and preservation efforts. In fact, the Lincoln Park Zoo has one of the largest zoo-based conservation and science programs in the country, working to improve animal management by identifying endangered animals and working to ensure their survival.

Learn more:
World Wildlife Day
Zoos and Shedd Aquarium join elephant campaign (Chicago Tribune)

Casimir Pulaski was a Polish-born patriot who went on to fight in the American Revolutionary War, becoming a volunteer on General George Washington’s staff and fighting in several high-profile battles. His successes on the battlefield led Washington to convince Congress to appoint Pulaski the head of the cavalry, a recently established division.

With its large Polish population, Illinois honored Pulaski in the 1980s, designating the first Monday in March as “Casimir Pulaski Day.” Though the state has made the holiday optional for school districts, many still celebrate the holiday and remember the war hero who meant so much to Illinois’ large Polish-American population.

Learn more:
Casimir Pulaski
The Polish Museum of America