March 8: International Women’s Day – Celebrating the POWER OF WOMEN
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” – Dr. Maya Angelou
On March 8, millions around the world celebrate International Women’s Day, a global day highlighting the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, as well as the challenges they continue to face.
Elder Carrie Dann, defended Western Shoshone land for over four decades. Women have always been at the frontlines of defending their communities. Carrie Dann fought to protect the ancestral, traditional Western Shoshone land in central Nevada. The land was formally recognized by the United States under the 1863 Treaty of Ruby Valley, which was never honored. Carrie Dann was awarded the Right Livelihood Award.
Elder Dann spoke at the Western Shoshone National Council camp. Shoshone Elder and leader Carrie Dann walked on, on January 2, 2021 to the Land of the Ancestors. Thanks to TUC Radio for sharing her voice.
A group of women hailing from various sectors in the arts and activism communities have joined forces with the award-winning Chicago-based nonprofit arts presenter HotHouse and publisher Haymarket Books to curate and present an online cultural event to mark International Women’s Day. Listen to voices from ACTIVISTA, An International Women’s Day Celebration, Framing Solidarity Through Culture.
2021 Women’s day in Turkey comes as most rights for women are being reversed under President Erdogan’s rule. Reporters Gulden Yazgan and Mehmet Bayram shines a light on the brutal abuse suffered at the hands of men who are often excused by the courts. Reportedly, women are under attack daily in Turkey to no avail.
Pacifica’s show WINGS (Women’s International News Gathering Service), reports on the converting laws into actions, and the challenges of women in Uganda, as well as efforts to organize women to build a better future. Thanks to Frieda Werden, Rita Hope Aciro-Lakor, Sheila Dallas-Katzman, and the production team of WINGS.
In Celebrating the Power of Women, we turn to an icon in the world of activism and poetry, Ms. Nikki Giovanni, known as the “Poet of the Black Revolution” for her writings in the 1960’s and 70’s. Her contemporary work includes the ground-breaking anthology, Marvel’s Black Panther story, “Tales of Wakanda” and her latest book of poetry, “Make Me Rain: Poems and Prose.” Ms. Giovanni is the recipient of an American Book Award, the Langston Hughes Medal, 7 NAACP Image Awards and is one of Oprah’s 25 Living Legends. Her album, The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection was nominated for a Grammy. Ms. Giovanni is currently a distinguished professor at Virginia Tech. Here’s Nikki Giovanni in conversation with Verna Avery Brown, host and executive producer of WPFW’s What’s At Stake.
CREDITS
Special thanks to Pacifica stations, affiliates and the Pacifica Covid Task Force Akua Holt, Producer/Host/Editor Polina Vasiliev/Producer Editor
Special thanks to producers Verna Avery Brown, Jacqulyn Baptist, Gulden Yazgan and Mehmet Bayram, Frieda Werden, Rita Aciro-Lakor, Sheila Dallas-Katzman, and WINGS.
Executive Producers: Steve Zeltzer, Polina Vasiliev, and Akua Holt
Playlist
Lyla June, All Nations Rise
Hugh Masekela, Women of the Sun
Maya Angelou, Phenomenal Woman
MUSE Cincinnati Women’s Choir, performing Sweet Honey’s Women Should be a Priority
Sweet Honey in the Rock, No Mirrors in My Nana’s House
IWD Resource
March 8th on WPFW Jazz and Justice IWD Programming ALL DAY LISTEN to the ARCHIVES: www.wpfwfm.org
