A tribute to women highlighting their struggles and their contributions to the world will be observed during the first International Women’s Day Celebration at Laredo Community College South Wednesday, March 8.
Students and the community are invited to attend the first International Women’s Day Celebration, which will be held in the Billy Hall Student Center community suite, room 137. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free of charge.
The
celebration will begin at 11 a.m. with a book dedication honoring Sister
Rosemary Welsh for her humanitarian work in the community.
A collection of 65 books purchased in Sister Welsh’s name will be housed at the Zaffirini Library at the south campus.
“The books include a wide range of topics, including women’s rights, women and faith, women’s history, domestic violence, activism and women’s personal narratives,” librarian Analiza Perez-Gomez explained.
Gomez, as well as English instructor Mary Sue Galindo and psychology and sociology instructor Sara Thompson, are the event organizers.
The commemoration will continue with a special poetry reading featuring students and community members, including historian Sharon Cruz and author Raquel Valle-Sentíes.
Others who are scheduled to recite poetry are Rosanne Vasquez, Elizabeth Guerra, Roxanna Johnston, Yvette Garcia, Linda Hinojosa, Dawn Brondo, Maria Casarez and Alejandra Ramirez.
“About 13 readers are expected to participate in the poetry reading, which will focus on many women’s issues, from their sufferings to their accomplishments. This is a great opportunity for students and the community to learn more about the history of women through the beauty and passion of poetry,” Galindo said.
The poetry reading is expected to last until 1 p.m., but the program will resume at 3 p.m. with a special screening for the PBS film documentary “Señorita Extraviada” by Lourdes Portillo.
The documentary sheds light on the injustices that have been plaguing the young women of Juarez, Mexico, one of the world’s largest border cities.
The film exposes a startling story of the more than 270 young women who have been raped and murdered in a chillingly consistent and brazen manner since 1993.
Portillo’s film serves as an opportunity for the families of the victims to inform the world of their daughters’ tragedies.
The film also poses questions about corruption, the disposability of young women and the cheapening of life in a town where poverty and a globalized capital create a chaotic environment of lawlessness and brutality.
A discussion after the film’s showing at LCC will be moderated by Thompson.
“It’s important for the community, both men and women, to watch this film because it emphasizes among many issues the cultural ideas and dominance beliefs about women, as well as some of the stereotypes regarding the values of women. There’s a lot to learn from this video, particularly for citizens of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo who live in a geographical setting very similar to the one of El Paso/Juarez.”
Additionally, an exhibition of posters, created by LCC students, will be on display at both student centers throughout the month. The posters highlight women who have made significant contributions to society.
For more information about the International Women’s Day Celebration at LCC South, contact Galindo at 794-4736, Gomez at 794-4261 or Thompson at 794-4800.
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