Dean of College of Law, Angela Epps; FAMU Provost Marcella David;
FAMU president Elmira Mangum; FAMU Trustee Nicole Washington
Courtesy of James Celeste
Florida A&M University began its celebration of Women’s History Month Tuesday afternoon. Many gathered and listened to insightful words that were said by some of FAMU’s leading ladies at the Charles Winter Wood Theatre.
The event featured FAMU’s President Elmira Mangum, provost Marcella David, dean of FAMU College of law, Angela Epps and FAMU trustee, Nicole Washington. These women have equipped themselves through formal education and years of experience to become leaders on and off at FAMU.
The Leading Ladies event was the first of four events that allowed proactive questions asked by spectators as well as the moderator, Anquinette Taylor who currently serves as the 109th Miss FAMU.
This year marks the second year in a row that FAMU will observe the national month long celebration, “Tell It On Tuesday” series.
The month long celebration began as a week-long observance in 1981 as a recognition to women’s society. In 1995, presidents began to extend the celebration to an entire month.
Mangum gave her views about the celebration.
"Women's History Month is not only a time to celebrate our achievements and breakthroughs, but it also should serve as a reminder that the issues of equality and justice for women must remain at the forefront of our thoughts and actions,” Mangum said. “We must continue our efforts to ensure progress for women in every profession and all aspects of life.
At the beginning of the event, everyone was asked to move closer to the stage so that the panelist could have a more intimate connection with the audience. Questions were addressed to the panelist, consisting of “What is your favorite song to sing in the shower” to “Do you think it is important for women to become leaders.”
FAMU trustee Nicole Washington, believes the support of other women is key.
“Women need to do a better job in supporting other women,” Washington said.
The series of events that will be held this month are to benefit all students. Taylor believes that it is important for the students to see women of power come out and inspire them.
“It’s significant that students can be a part and see that there’s people here to be able to talk to and motivate them to be better in society,” Taylor said. “We are powerful to this economy and because of that we should showcase that.”
Each Tuesday in the month of March, Mangum and the University will honor women from all walks of life and experiences through dialogue, recognition, celebration and encouragement.
Visit http://www.famu.edu/womenshistorymonth/ to learn about the upcoming events in the month of March.