RICHMOND GLOBE
March 11- 17, 2009

Second Annual Women in Solidarity
Event Focuses on Unity, Social Justice

By Tuseda A. Graggs

More than 200 women, and a smattering of men, gathered to honor themselves and the community as Richmond held its second annual Women in Solidarity event on Saturday.

The five-hour event, sponsored by Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin’s office, featured performances by local singers, dancers and drummers and a keynote address from former Black Panther Party member Elaine Brown.

Brown talked of the past and the present and the importance of solidarity among women.

“As women we are one-half of the world and the largest oppressed group. We are in a position to lead the world when we stand together — not just together in race or in sexual orientation but all together,” Brown said. “We need to unify around economics and violence and get programs underway to address these issues.

“When you look at this group you can say that you’ve seen the solidarity of liberation,” Brown added.

McLaughlin said she was thrilled with the turnout, which was larger than last year. She enjoyed Brown’s keynote address, which she said touched on “the past work, the future work and how we have to make a better society.

“Extraordinary,” McLaughlin said. “It was a wonderful opportunity for women’s groups coming to share the day. It was all about social justice and unity in Richmond.”

A variety of Richmond organizations provided information to attendees, including RYSE Youth Center, Black Women Organized for Political Action, Morada de Mujeres del Milenio/STAND! Against Domestic Violence, Mothers Against Senseless Killing, Rosier the Riveter WWII Homefront National Historic Park and The Latina Center. Much like the diverse array of organizations, the audience was a mix of all ages, races and nationalities.

Fred Jackson, longtime Richmond-area playwright, civil rights and community activist, and youth services coordinator and youth instructor at Neighborhood House of North Richmond, said he liked all he saw and heard.

“I thought it was great because people who know me know that I believe we are one human family, one DNA and we are all connected by one common thread — whether we like it or not,” he said.
Jackson said he felt a similar feeling of connection on Jan. 20, when he attended President Barack Obama’s inauguration in Washington, D.C.

“Here today I got another dose of that,” he said. “I’m just impressed that America is coming together. It’s truly about all of us together.”

Peggy Beasley said she read about the event and came to participate. “It was just a joyful day,” she said, juggling her 2-year-old and 4-year-old sons.

Performers included gospel singer Jacqueline McBride; poet Jackie Thompson; Afro-Puerto Rican drumming, dance and singing group Las Bomberas de la Bahia; youth speaker Khan Chanthavee; and Peruvian/ Quechua musicians and dancers Rosa Acosta and Jorge Vilchez.

Mary Peace Head, 87, stood and danced along with most of the singers and performers throughout the day — all while wearing heels.

“This was the greatest day of my life,” Head said. “Seeing so many nationalities together holding hands and dancing together, it was just a special day to remember.”

At the day’s end, mistress of ceremonies Jovanka Beckles had the group form a circle, hold hands and say in a single word what they felt about the event.

“Powerful.”
“Beautiful.”
“Solidarity.”