March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate women who have shaped history and the communities around us. While many people think of national figures many influential women have made a lasting impact right here in Arlington, Virginia. Through activism, education, and community leadership, these women have helped shape the future of this area. 

One most important trailblazer was Evelyn Reid Syphax, an educator and civil rights leader who worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for children and families in Arlington. In 1963, she founded the Syphax Child Care Center, which provided early childhood education at a time where many families, especially Black families, had limited access to good childcare because of segregation. Throughout her life, Syphax worked to preserve Arlington’s Black History. She founded the Black History Museum of Arlington in 1995. She founded the museum because she “didn’t see anyone else telling the story of the African American community in Arlington. At the time there were still a lot of people alive who could help tell this story, now we have a few left. Now when people visit I’m able to pass on the stories, because I’ve lived a lot of this myself. I was born and raised in Arlington, and my family has been here since the 1930s.” She always and supported mentorship and education programs for young people. 

Another remarkable figure is Dorothy Hamm, a civil rights activist who fought for equality in schools, housing, and voting rights. Hamm played a major role in helping desegregate Arlington Public Schools and public services. She also helped establish early childhood programs like Head Start to support children from underserved and unprivileged communities. Her activism helped expand opportunities and civil rights protections for many families in Northern Virginia.

Today, women in Arlington continue this tradition of leadership. The Arlington County Commission on the Status of Women hosts the Women of Vision Awards every year, which recognize women in the community who have made outstanding contributions in areas like nonprofit work, business, and government leadership. These awards highlight modern leaders who continue to make Arlington a stronger and more inclusive community. The next awards ceremony is Wednesday, March 25th. 

The stories of these 2 women remind us that history isn’t just something that happened long ago; it’s happening around us every day and in our communities. During Women’s History Month, let’s recognize the accomplishments of women in our own community, as their stories help inspire the future generations to lead, serve, and make a difference.