Tag: Women’s History Month

  • Celebrate Women’s History Month: Week 4 Events

    As March draws to a close, so does Women’s History Month! But there’s still time to honor the incredible contributions of women, especially Black women, who have shaped our world. This final week is packed with events celebrating their creativity, leadership, and enduring legacies.

    Engage with Leaders and Artists

    Kick off the week with a powerful live talk by civic advocate and author Stacey Abrams. As part of the Fresh Talk series on Thursday, March 26th, Abrams will delve into civic engagement, leadership, and the cultural forces that shape our world. She aims to highlight the vital role Black women play in politics and culture, encouraging connection and action.

    For art enthusiasts, the Black Girl Art Show is happening on Saturday, March 28th, at the Brooklyn Storehouse. This vibrant exhibition will showcase the incredible talent of over 200 Black women artists, offering a diverse range of styles and perspectives.

    Honoring Activism and Athletic Achievement

    In Atlanta, immerse yourself in the inspiring Legacy of Coretta Scott King Exhibition & Experience. Running until March 31st, this exhibition at The King Center features historical artifacts and personal belongings, offering a deep dive into Coretta Scott King’s impactful activism and leadership. It’s a living tribute to her enduring achievements.

    Sports fans can catch the NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship, taking place at multiple sites across the country from March 24th to March 31st. Witness the incredible talent and dedication of these young athletes as they compete for the national title.

    Reflecting on a Month of Celebration

    These events are just a glimpse into the many ways we can celebrate Women’s History Month. The National Women’s History Alliance first launched Women’s History Week in 1980, and since 1987, the entire month of March has been officially recognized. This month-long observance serves as a crucial reminder to acknowledge and honor the contributions of women throughout history and into the future.

    Which of these events are you most excited about? How have you been celebrating Women’s History Month? Share your experiences in the comments below!

  • Celebrate Women’s History Month: Week 3 Events

    As Women’s History Month continues, Week 3 offers a fantastic array of events across the country dedicated to celebrating the incredible achievements, leadership, and contributions of women, with a special focus on Black women. From jazz festivals to film showcases and insightful discussions, there are plenty of ways to engage and learn.

    Schomburg Center Women’s Jazz Festival—Harlem, New York

    The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture continues its 30-year tradition with its Annual Women’s Jazz Festival. Running from March 16th through March 30th, this sold-out series shines a spotlight on the profound impact Black women have had on the jazz canon. Featuring world-class artists like Ms. Lisa Fischer, Kandace Springs, and Dee Dee Bridgewater, the festival not only celebrates artistry but also funds the vital archives preserving global African diaspora history. Performances can be streamed on YouTube.

    This event is a beautiful intersection of art, history, and cultural preservation, offering a chance to experience incredible music while supporting the documentation of Black history.

    Women’s History Month Programming at National Center for Civil and Human Rights—Atlanta

    From March 19th to March 31st, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta is hosting a month-long exhibition. Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily, visitors can explore gallery programming featuring historians and educators. The focus is on curator-guided exhibitions and discussions centered on Black women civil rights leaders and their pivotal roles in the movements for voting rights, equality, and justice.

    This programming offers a deep dive into the crucial, often under-recognized, contributions of Black women to the fight for civil rights and social justice in America.

    Truth’s Table Live Conversation on Faith and Justice—Charleston, South Carolina

    Authors and podcast hosts Ekemini Uwan and Christina Edmondson will lead a live discussion on faith, justice, and activism at the International African American Museum in Charleston on Thursday, March 19th, at 7 p.m. This event connects Women’s History Month with a vital conversation about the significant impact of Black women intellectuals on social justice movements.

    It’s an opportunity to engage with thought leaders discussing the intersection of faith, activism, and the intellectual contributions of Black women to societal change.

    Women Filmmakers Showcase—Laredo, Texas

    On Friday, March 20th, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Laredo Film Society will host the Women Filmmakers Showcase. This event highlights films created by women, aiming to increase the representation of women, particularly Black women, within the film industry. It’s a celebration of female storytelling and a platform for diverse voices in cinema.

    These events are part of a broader national effort to ensure women’s histories and contributions are recognized and celebrated, reflecting the National Women’s History Alliance’s long-standing mission.

    Which of these Women’s History Month events are you most excited about? Share your plans in the comments below!

  • Musical ‘Wanted’ About Clarke Sisters Heads to Broadway

    The incredible true story of the Clarke sisters, twins who navigated the complexities of identity by passing as white in 1893 Texas to settle their mother’s sharecropper debt, save their home, and seek justice for the injustices of slavery, is set to debut on Broadway this fall. The upcoming musical, titled “Wanted,” promises a compelling narrative rooted in American history.

    Starring Solea Pfeiffer and Liisi LaFontaine

    PEOPLE exclusively revealed that “Wanted” will feature Solea Pfeiffer and Liisi LaFontaine in the leading roles of Mary and Martha Clarke, respectively. Both actresses have prior experience with the production, which was originally titled “Gun & Powder.” Pfeiffer starred as Mary in the musical’s world premiere at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va., in February 2020, while LaFontaine portrayed Martha during a run at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey in Spring 2024.

    Pfeiffer and LaFontaine expressed their excitement about bringing the show to Broadway: “We’re so happy to finally bring this show we love so much to Broadway,” they said in a joint statement. “Getting to highlight a piece of American history so rarely talked about, and to step into the boots of these extraordinary women is an honor we don’t take lightly.” They added, “We know the importance of seeing yourself onstage, and to represent the complicated and beautiful tapestry of this country on Broadway is a dream realized. To get to do it together is a dream come true. We can’t wait for the world to meet the Sisters Clarke.”

    A Story of Resilience, Justice, and Sisterhood

    “Wanted” is set in the American Wild West and tells the largely true story of the Clarke sisters. Their exploits are rumored to include bank robbery, according to Angelica Chéri, the real-life great-great-niece of the twins. Chéri described them as “sort of like a black Thelma and Louise” to her alma mater, Columbia University’s School of the Arts. Chéri’s book and lyrics are featured in the musical, which creatively mixes gospel, R&B, and Western mythology.

    The production is helmed by Obie Award winner and Tony Award nominee Stevie Walker-Webb as director, with choreography by Chelsey Arce. Producers Ben Holtzman, Sammy Lopez, and Fiona Howe Rudin of P3 Productions noted the significance of sharing this story during Women’s History Month, stating, “Sharing this milestone during Women’s History Month feels especially meaningful, as the musical continues to shine a light on the legacy of women whose stories have too often been overlooked.”

    Broadway Debut and Historical Significance

    “Wanted” is set to begin previews at the James Earl Jones Theatre in New York City on October 15th, with opening night scheduled for November 8th. The musical’s journey from its world premiere to Broadway highlights the growing interest in narratives that explore often-overlooked aspects of American history and the resilience of Black women.

    Are you excited to see the story of the Clarke sisters brought to life on Broadway in ‘Wanted’? What historical narratives do you think deserve more attention? Share your thoughts in the comments below!