Women's celebration off to a running start

By Nicole Donner

The “Women’s Herstory Celebration” comes a month early at MHCC. Traditionally celebrated in March, 13 different events have been scheduled throughout February and into March to celebrate women in unique ways.

This celebration dates back to several years ago with many different directors coordinating the event. Victoria Flagg has stepped up to the position after being offered by prior director Shirley Wilson. Wilson personally approached Flagg, a committee member of two years, about the position and Flagg accepted it as a volunteer position on top of her regular job, a telecommunications technician for MHCC.

After a late start of getting the word out for events, Flagg and the committee wasted no time creating ideas and building the event. Sixteen women make up the committee, and all but one are staff members from various departments on campus. Several traditional events, such as the Men’s panel, stay on the celebration’s roster as new events make their debut this year.

Among the 13 events are seminars focusing on sexual assault, women in music, and a performance from a controversial play. “We try to draw from our resources on campus,” said Flagg. “We bring all of our different ideas together on the committee.”

The men’s panel on Thursday shared their thoughts of what women they would be in history and why. Merced Flores, dean of High School Relations and Community Relations-Instructional Services, spoke of his mother during his presentation. “One thing I learned about her is the ethic of hard work but also do your very best but at the same time you need to be good to other folks,” said Flores. “A lot of things that she has done throughout her life are things I do today.”

Flores cited having five older sisters helped him learn how to “deal with some of their issues and challenges.” He finds the Women’s Herstory events to be educational and loves to support the staff and students in the events they produce. “It’s good for us to be able to take a set of tools with us. Maybe trade in our old tools and trade them in for some new tools that will benefit us later in life,” said Flores.

Events promoting sexual education and protection will be available Feb. 7 and Feb. 13 – 16. The Health and Awareness Club are sponsoring a discussion about recognizing sexual assault when it occurs. Amy Loftus from the Sexual Assault Resource Center will be leading the various candid topics about sexual assault, violence and alcohol. “When the Line is Crossed: Sex in the Danger Zone” will take place Tuesday, Feb. 7 in Room AC 2057.

A resource table will be made available in the week of Feb. 13 – 16 that will include more information about how to prevent sexual assaults and will be located in the College Center.

One event sparking controversery wherever it’s featured is the performance of “The Vagina Monologues” by Eva Ensler. Based on interviews and stories told by women, the play depicts their battle to end violence against women by celebrating sexuality and strength. Being shown Feb. 15 in AC1600, this will be the first year “The Vagina Monologues” will be shown during the Women’s Herstory Celebration.

Comedian and motivational speaker Debbie Wooten will make an appearance Feb. 8. in the Visual Arts Theater from noon to 1 p.m. After meeting Martin Luther King Jr. as a young girl, her perspective chnaged, allowing her to understand that character is more important then the color of a person’s skin and physical ability. After watching her perform at a conference for the American Association of Women in Community Colleges, Flagg was determined to have Wooten make an appearance for the celebration.

Students will get a chance to particpate in this event at the Women of the World celebration March 8 in the Town and Gown Room from noon to 1 p.m. The Women’s Herstory Council is asking students to share fashion, poetry, and art that represent their culture and history. For more information to particpate in this event, contact Nirandone Sanethavong at 503-491-6982.

Women’s Herstory Celebration run until March 8. For more information about these events or to receive a calender with listings of all the events, contact Flagg at 503-491-7533.

Women's Herstory Events

Monday, Feb 6
Women in Music: The Blues
Noon - 1 p.m.
College Center

Tuesday, Feb 7
When the Line is Crossed: Sex in the Danger
Noon - 1 p.m.
Town and Gown

Wednesday, Feb 8
Laughin’ to Keep from Cryin’ performed by Debbie Wooten
Noon -1 p.m.
Visual Arts Theater