Hi John,
Boisterous laughter at birthday parties. Loved ones gathered over the winter holidays. Sickly sweet cake at graduations.
No matter how big the problems I’m facing in the world, ever since I was a kid I’ve relied on celebrations with my family, friends, and community to keep me going through the good and bad times.
The last few months have been hard, which is why I’m leaning just as hard into celebrating the little things this month:
- Stepping outside on the first 70-degree day of the year, feeling the sun on my face;
- Hosting my college friends in D.C. just as the trees started to blossom and we shed our winter coats for jean jackets; and
- Grounding myself in Women’s History Month and all of the wonderful parts of life that would not exist were it not for women.
Celebrations are important. That’s also why my colleague Lark wrote an incredible piece on the need to continue identity-specific celebrations, like Black History Month. In these moments of joy, I do not forget about the chaotic state of politics in our country or anti-abortion protestors invading D.C., but I am focused on the present and what I can control. I can try my best, educate myself and others, take action, be present, rest, celebrate, regroup, and repeat. As we continuously navigate “unprecedented times,” we will do what we can to celebrate things big and small. 🥳
The Stripped State of Education 😵🎒
Following months of rumors and the confirmation of Linda McMahon, President Trump theatrically signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education at a ceremony where children were used as props. The department cannot be shut down without an act of Congress, but even the blatant attempt to chip away at it threatens functions that are vital for students and families.
With half of the department’s workers laid off and investigations beginning into schools that allow trans students to participate on sports teams that align with their gender identity, it is more important than ever that we advocate for the importance of accessible and safe public education for all. As we continue to push back against these harmful policies, you can urge Congress to protect public schools.
We Are Still Fighting for Equal Pay 💸
And now, for our annual reminder of how women are paid less money for their work. Equal Pay Day was March 25, and our brilliant research team compiled a report showing that women in the United States who work full time, year-round are typically paid only 83 cents for every dollar paid to men, leaving women and their families short-changed when they need every dollar to make ends meet.
Even as the overall gender pay gap has narrowed over the years, the most recent data shows that the wage gap actually widened for the first time in two decades, and the wage gap remains wider for Black women, Latinas, Native women, and women who work part-time. Policymakers must address pay disparities if we want true economic security and prosperity.
Must-Dos and Must-Reads ✅📖
- THE CENTER OF WOMEN’S HISTORY ✊🏾🏳️⚧️As we continue to combat extremist attacks on trans rights, one of my colleagues wrote a blog highlighting the Black and Latine trans women at the core of the gender justice movement.
- BILLIONAIRES ARE ROBBING US 🥷💰Congressional leaders are proposing tax cuts that will make billionaires and megacorporations richer and abandon women and families who need the most support from critical programs. Tell Congress to stop the billionaire tax breaks and to start investing in women and families.
- HEALTH CARE AT RISK 🏛️Ma'ayan Anafi, my colleague on our health equity team, was interviewed by The New Republic about how extremists are invoking misinformation and stigmatizing language to attack abortion care and health care for trans people. Click here to read the article, and read more about how the anti-abortion playbook is being used to attack trans health care here.
Person That Lived Rent-Free in My Head This Month: Ravyn Lenae 💟👩🏾🦰
Ravyn Lenae’s sophomore album, Bird’s Eye, was one of my favorite albums of 2024, so I felt vindicated watching her blow up on TikTok this month. The 26-year-old Chicago native has been releasing R&B banger after R&B banger for years, creating funky solo songs and collaborations with Childish Gambino and Steve Lacy that have been perfect for me as an early 20-something (but are also great for people of any age). If you are new to her music, I definitely recommend "Skin Tight," “Love Me Not,” and “One Wish” to get you started. I am beyond excited to see her thrive and get the recognition that she deserves.
Feminist Moment of Joy: Words by Women 📖❤️
Whenever I am tired, I read the words that women writers have poured their hearts, souls, and lives into, and I am rejuvenated, I am warm, and I am whole. My spirit is settled.
As we end the first quarter of 2025, I leave you with this poem by Lucille Clifton:
“won't you celebrate with me
what i have shaped into
a kind of life? i had no model.
born in babylon
both nonwhite and woman
what did i see to be except myself?
i made it up
here on this bridge between
starshine and clay,
my one hand holding tight
my other hand; come celebrate
with me that everyday
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.”
In solidarity and with confetti,
Jessica Baskerville
she/her/hers
Media Relations Manager
National Women’s Law Center
