How It All BeganIn 1981, the National Institute for Women of Color (NIWC) was established to build a strong national network for women of African, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian, Hispanic, Latina, and Pacific Island heritages to advance the issues of Women of Color. These efforts resulted in National Strategies Conferences for Women of Color in 1982 and 1983 in Washington, D.C., 1984 in Reno, Nevada and 1987 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
In 1986, NIWC proclaimed March 1st, the first day of Women's History Month, as National Women of Color Day. Since that time, Women of Color Day Programs have been held across the United States and in other countries. In 1994 the focus moved from national to international and established the International Association for Women of Color Day (IAWOCD), working with others across the nation and in several other countries From the origination of NIWC and IAWOCD, the Women of Color (WOC) of San Joaquin was established in 1999. The WOC's first honoree was in 1999 and in 2002 WOC recognized the first Junior Women of Color Honoree. Since 1999, WOC has held annual events to recognize the Women of Color of San Joaquin County for their accomplishments. Please visit our Past Honorees and Youth Honorees of the past, as well as their biographies. It is these individuals whom will mark the books of history for their strength and will to improve our futures. We hope that you will join us in this wonderful effort to make a greater future. |