�̾��ƵWomen’s History Month events provide chances for entertainment, empowerment

“Yes We Canvas: Painting Party” is among fun activities planned for Mississippi State’s celebration of Women’s History Month. (Photo by Megan Bean)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—�̾��Ƶ is celebrating Women’s History Month with a variety of fun, free programs on the Starkville campus.

Students, faculty, staff and members of the general public are invited to view the “Imitation of Life” photography exhibition on display through Friday [March 8] in Colvard Student Union’s second-floor art gallery.

In the exhibition, artists examine underlying social conventions and normative values through reinterpretations of such classical works of Western art as Botticelli’s “Primavera” and “The Birth of Venus.” MSU’s Society of African American Studies and African American Studies program are sponsors for the showing that also was part of MSU’s Black History Month celebration in February.

Also through Friday the 8th, nominations are being accepted for the annual President’s Commission on the Status of Women Awards, sponsored by the PCSW at MSU. These awards recognize faculty, staff, graduate students and community members who are advocates for the well-being, development and advancement of all women on the university’s campuses and in the surrounding communities. Award recipients will receive a plaque and $1,000 award at a public reception. For more, visit or contact Lateshia Butler at lateshia.butler@msstate.edu or 662-325-5946.

Other Women’s History Month events include:

—March 18-26, Women’s History Month Art Gallery exhibition showcasing community-submitted, female-centric pieces. A 4 p.m. reception is scheduled for March 18. Taking place in Colvard Student Union’s second-floor art gallery, both events are sponsored by MSU’s Center for Student Activities and the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center.

—March 21, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Female Faculty and Staff Mixer at the café inside Barnes & Noble at MSU. Holmes Cultural Diversity Center also is an event sponsor.

—March 21, 7-9 p.m., “Putting Down Your Crown,” a Holmes Cultural Diversity Center-sponsored event where black women can discuss their challenges and cultivate fellowship while engaging in interactive activities centered on empowerment. The program takes place in Suite 220 at Colvard Student Union.

—March 22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., “Yes We Canvas: Painting Party,” sponsored by the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center at Barnes & Noble café. Supplies will be provided for this instructional painting class presented by Jilly Bean’s Pail of Paint in Starkville.

—March 26, 6 p.m., “Girl, You Deserve Better” in historic Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium. During this program, Christy Pickering will share personal experiences from an abusive relationship and discuss how she eventually found happiness. A Biloxi certified public accountant, Pickering has received numerous awards over the years for service to her local community and state. Her talk is sponsored by the President’s Office, Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, �̾��ƵAthletics, Delta Gamma Sorority, the Center for Student Activities, and Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

—March 27, 4 p.m., “Sex Object: The Emotional Impact of Misogyny and Feminism’s Response,” presented by MSU’s Gender Studies program. In Bettersworth Auditorium, Jessica Valenti will give a talk about her recent book, “Sex Object,” focused on sexual objectification, the emotional impact of misogyny, and the response from contemporary feminists following the Women’s Marches of 2017. A 5:30 p.m. reception will immediately follow in Colvard Student Union’s Old Main Lounge.

For more information on Women’s History Month events at MSU, contact Hannah Reyes at 662-325-2691 or hreyes@oidi.msstate.edu.

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