Emory celebrates Women's History Month

March 10, 2020

One highlight of Women’s History Month activities at Emory this month will be a screening of “Daughters of the Dust,” a sweeping historical that was the first movie directed by an African American woman to have a wide theatrical release.

Women’s History Month

The observance of Women’s History Month began with a week-long celebration of women’s culture, history and society in a California school district in 1978. The idea caught on in communities and organizations across the nation; in 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week to coincide with International Women’s Day.

Subsequent presidents continued to designate a National Women’s History Week in March until Congress passed a law in 1987 designating March as Women’s History Month. The National Women’s History Alliance selects and publishes a theme for each year. In 2020, the theme is “Valiant Women of the Vote,” marking the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in the United States. The theme honors those who fought to win suffrage rights for women, and women who continue to fight for the voting rights of others.

March 13, 2020 

Editor's note: Many events have been canceled or postponed in accordance with current university policy on the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit event websites for more details. Visit the Coronavirus Updates for the Emory Community website to learn more about how Emory is responding to COVID-19.

 

The Emory community celebrates Women’s History Month throughout March, with many of the events free and open to the public. 

Observances began last week with the 2020 Emory Pride Awards on March 3 and the 2020 Women of Excellence Awards on March 5. The events recognized individuals who are dedicated to issues surrounding LGBT equality and affecting women at Emory and in the larger community.

“The Center for Women at Emory plays a unique role in shaping women as leaders of tomorrow and preparing all students to eradicate some of the most pressing issues that women and girls face today,” says Chanel Craft Tanner, director of Emory’s Center for Women.

“During Women’s History Month we tell and celebrate the stories of women so that the next generation doesn’t forget them and so that women can be proud of what we have collectively accomplished in the face of so many obstacles,” Tanner adds. “We celebrate at Emory so we can reflect on the contributions women have made and continue to make to this place we love.”

Keynote features the Crunk Feminist Collective

One highlight of the month will be “An Evening with the Crunk Feminist Collective” on Saturday, March 28, at 5 p.m. in the Cox Ballroom on Emory’s Atlanta campus. 

Ten years ago, the Crunk Feminist Collective led the charge for cultivating a digital space for hip-hop generation feminists of color, both inside and outside of the academy. Addressing topics ranging from politics and mothering to religion, dating and Beyonce, the collective embodies multifaceted feminism that is relevant for women at home, in the academy and in the beauty parlor. 

The evening will feature dinner and dancing, plus a panel featuring Crunk Feminist Collective members Robin Boylorn, Brittney Cooper, Sheri Davis-Faulkner, Susana Morris, Eesha Pandit, Rachel Raimist and Chanel Tanner.

Tickets are available to the general public beginning Monday, March 9. 

Other highlights for the month

Several films focused on women’s issues will be shown in March. Panel discussions, lectures and book readings also will address topics of interest.

Monday, March 16

1 p.m. – “Flash Exposures” seminar
Michael C. Carlos Museum Board Room
A workshop and reading based in South African poetics and body politics
Presented by the Institute of African Studies and Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies 

Wednesday, March 18

5:30 p.m. – Human trafficking discussion
Alumni University Memorial Center, Room 105
Sponsored by the Center for Women at Emory

Wednesday, March 18

7:30 p.m. – “Daughters of the Dust” film screening
White Hall, Room 208
Part of the Emory Cinematheque spring series focusing on African Americans in American film 

Thursday, March 19

6:30 p.m. – Lunafest Women’s Film Festival
Harland Cinema; $5 per person
Featuring short films for, by and about women

Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21

REAL (Recognizing, Empowering and Affirming Latinas) Conference
Presented by the Office for Racial and Cultural Engagement

Monday, March 23

12 p.m. – Leading from the Margins: Authenticity, Authority and Black Women’s Sexual Agency
Robert W. Woodruff Library, Jones Room
Presented by the James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study of Race and Difference

Monday, March 23

4 p.m. – Book Reading: “Black Women, Black Love” with Dianne M. Stewart
Emory Student Center, Room N102
A special reading from Stewart’s book that will be released in October 2020; reception to follow. Stewart is associate professor of religion and African American Studies.
Presented by the Department of African American Studies

Wednesday, March 25

5:30 p.m. – “The Hunting Ground” film screening
Alumni University Memorial Center, Room 105
Presented by Sexual Assault Peer Advocates and Feminists in Action

Friday, March 27

7 p.m. – “Mulan” movie-going
North DeKalb Mall AMC Movie Theater
Join the Center for Women as they go see “Mulan;” registration required

Saturday, March 28

12 p.m. – Empowered: Defining Your Leadership Identity
The Hatchery
A #GrowAndGlow workshop for women of color presented by the Office for Racial and Cultural Engagement

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