This week in 1961 saw the inauguration of America’s 35th and youngest President, John F. Kennedy. For the first time the event was shown on color television. He gave his now famous “Ask not” speech from the Capitol steps.

Four time Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Frost was the first poet to participate in a presidential inauguration. Because of failing eyesight, a bright glare on a sunny day with snow cover, and a dim typewriter ribbon, he could not recite the poem he wrote for the occasion, “Dedication”, but recited from memory his famous poem “The Gift Outright”.

Jackie Kennedy was on the cover of TIME Magazine.

To Kill a Mockingbird was one of the best selling books. The US banned travel by its citizens to Cuba, except in special cases. Clark Gable was on the cover of Life Magazine. The US government published its very first set of dietary guidelines: eat less fat. The Supremes signed with Motown Records. The University of Georgia admitted African-American students for the first time, provoking race riots.

1961 was a year filled with tension and excitement in equal measure. While gigantic advancements were being made in the space race, they were equaled by developments in numerous conflicts across the globe, most notably the Vietnam War and the Cold War, all heralded by the inauguration of one of America’s most popular presidents, John F. Kennedy.

On the Chinese calendar, 1961 was the Year of the Ox. People born under this sign are known to be persistent and straightforward. AAWE’s founder, Phyllis Michaux, was very persistent and straightforward when she set out to find women in her similar position, after challenges with US citizenship due to her marriage to a foreign national, and then forming our club.

AAWE members have been persistent ever since in keeping our club alive, vibrant, and successful.

This New Year 2021 is also a Year of the Ox. And together we will surely be persistent and get through this pandemic.

Look for more to come surrounding our 60th celebration!