Fourth Annual Event Begins Month of Programs; Poloncarz Calls for Passage of the Women’s Equality Act

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz joined other elected officials, representatives of the Buffalo & Erie County Public library and numerous partner organizations to kick off March as Women’s History Month at the downtown Central Library.

“Women’s History Month is an excellent opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the numerous achievements and contributions that women have made to our society, both nationally and right here in Erie County,” said Poloncarz. “From Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton in the past to Lilly Ledbetter today, their contributions and sacrifices should never be forgotten. However, their work is not done. While I encourage everyone to take part in the various events being held this month to celebrate Women’s History, the best way to honor these women is to complete their work and see that the Women’s Equality Act is passed in New York State.”

From 11:00am to 1:00pm, a variety of non-profit groups serving women and girls locally were on hand with displays and resource information on their services and activities. At noon, remarks recognizing the importance of Women’s History Month were offered by Poloncarz, Library Director Mary Jean Jakubowski, Deputy Mayor of Buffalo Dr. Ellen Grant, and keynote speaker Norma Nowak, PhD., Director of Science & Technology, UB School of Medicine & Biomedical Services and NYS Center of Excellence, Bioinformatics & Life Sciences. Dr. Nowak is also the founder and Chief Scientific Officer for Empire Genomics.

For the fourth straight year, Erie County and the Library have collaborated to produce a Women’s History Month calendar of activities featuring nearly 50 events relating to women’s history throughout March, including dinner programs, workshops, performances, business gatherings, and social events. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Innovation & Imagination: Women in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math.” The calendar is available free at participating locations, the 37 County-wide library branches, Erie County’s Rath building, or by visiting  www.erie.gov   or   www.buffalolib.org  .

The local celebration of March as Women’s History month coincides with the national celebration, declared by Congress in 1987 as advocated by the National Women’s History Project and other national organizations.