Celebrate Women’s History Month
“In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month to highlight the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. By the early months of 2017, the women of New York continue to make so many historic strides,” NYC Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo (35th District) said in a statement in observance of Women’s History Month—or “Herstory” month, as she calls it.
Cumbo also serves as the Chair of the Committee on Women’s Issues and Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus. “We live in a time where women at times feel unprotected and powerless. Women represent 51 percent of the U.S. population, but only 19 percent of the legislative body in Washington elected as the voice of the people. It is time to cheer on girls and women of all backgrounds who deserve the opportunity to make a difference,” she adds.
There are a number of events happening around Brooklyn to celebrate girl power and honor the 30th anniversary of Women’s History Month. See the below list of 9 events including concerts, films, an entrepreneurship forum, as well as workshops designed to educate, engage, enlighten, and empower women.
Cumbo and Women’s Caucus Co-Chair, Helen Rosenthal, will host an “A Day Without A Woman” event at noon on Wednesday on the steps of City Hall.
As Council Member Cumbo says, “This month, let us use each day to educate our sons and daughters of the women who said ‘who is going to stop me?’ Pioneers like Mae Jemison, Aretha Franklin, Margaret Thatcher, Shirley Chisholm, Madeleine Albright, Junko Tabei, Edith Wharton, or Hattie McDaniel; all women who helped change our world for the better.”
Colossal Women
When: Monday, March 6 – Wednesday, March 29, various times
Where: Alamo Drafthouse, 445 Albee Square (between Willoughby and Gold Streets), Downtown Brooklyn
What: The Brooklyn dine-in movie theater hosts a Women’s History Month film series with flicks featuring some kick-ass ladies “taking control and taking no prisoners.” Some of the movies include 9 to 5, The African Queen, The Fifth Element, Johnny Guitar, Mad Max Fury Road, Run Lola Run, and more.
Celebrating Women’s History Month & Barbara Strozzi—The Songstress of Venice
When: Monday, March 6, 12:30pm
Where: St. Francis College, Founders Hall, 180 Remsen Street
What: A performance celebrating Women’s History Month featuring two sopranos, Linda Lee Jones and Marguerite Krull, accompanied by David Bakamjian on cello and Rebecca Pechefsky on harpsichord. The concert will feature works by Barbara Strozzi, a 17th-century Italian singer and composer.
A Day Without a Woman
When: Wednesday, March 8
Where: Various Locations
What: The organizers of the Women’s March invite women and allies to challenge local communities with an international boycott of non-supportive businesses. “A Day Without A Woman” highlights the profound economic and societal value of “women’s work,” whether paid or unpaid, and some of the professional fields historically dominated by women.
Women’s Caucus & Advocates Observe National “A Day Without A Woman”
When: Wednesday, March 8, noon to 2pm
Where: City Hall, City Hall Park (between Broadway and Park Row), Manhattan (enter at Broadway and Murray Street or Centre Street)
What: Join NYC Women’s Caucus Co-Chairs Laurie A. Cumbo and Helen Rosenthal in observing “A Day Without A Woman” on the steps of City Hall.
Women Entrepreneurship Forum at St. Francis College: Retail, Technology & Innovation
When: Thursday, March 9, 10 to 11am
Where: Founders Hall, St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street
What: A panel discussion on the intersection of retail , technology, and innovation and how 3 business owners leverage technology to grow and innovate their businesses. Focusing on the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, the panel includes—Jennie Baik (Founder of Orchard Mile), Marie Jean-Baptiste (Founder of Rue 107), and Karen Tappin (Founder of Karen’s Body Beautiful). An audience Q & A will follow.
Platform Meetings—Songs in Celebration of Women’s History Month
When: Sunday, March 12, 2:09 to 3:09pm
Where: Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture, 53 Prospect Park West
What: Activist/feminist/singer/songer Bev Grant joins the Brooklyn Women’s Chorus in singing songs celebrating women and their struggle for freedom and justice.
Teen Time: Celebrate Women’s History Month
When: Thursday, March 23, 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Where: Dyker Library, 8202 13th Avenue (at 82nd Street)
What: Two professional pilots will help celebrate famous female aviators at the Dyker Library branch. Special books on women’s history will be available, as well as paper airplane templates.
Kids Create: Celebrating Women’s History Month
When: Friday, March 24, 4 to 5pm
Where: New Utrecht Library, 1743 86th Street (at Bay 17th Street)
What: In honor of Women’s History Month, kids will make their own “Dork Diary” inspired by Rachel Renee Russell’s popular book series of the same name. Recommended for ages 5-12. (Younger children must be accompanied by an adult.)
Women’s History Month Celebration
When: Thursday, March 30, 6 to 9pm
Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street
What: Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams hosts the 4th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration featuring a series of workshops tailored to educate, engage, enlighten, and empower women, focusing on entrepreneurship, finance, and health.
