Senate Joint Resolution 605, sponsored by Massey, aims to celebrate March 2026 as Women's History Month in collaboration with the General Federation of Women's Clubs Ossoli Circle. This resolution acknowledges the official designation of March as Women's History Month since 1987, highlighting the significant contributions and achievements of women across various fields such as education, science, business, and the arts. It specifically honors the GFWC Ossoli Circle of Knoxville, the oldest Federated Women's Club in the South, which is celebrating its 140th anniversary and is dedicated to inspiring future generations of women while remembering the contributions of their predecessors.
The resolution also emphasizes the historical impact of Tennessee women, particularly their role in the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. It recounts a pivotal moment when a member of the Ossoli Circle influenced a vote in favor of women's suffrage. Additionally, it mentions the Knoxville Suffrage Coalition's efforts to establish a Suffrage Museum to preserve the history of women's contributions to the suffrage movement. The resolution calls for ongoing support and recognition of women's achievements, both past and present, and encourages reflection on their vital role in shaping history.