Luncheon to focus on 'Writing Women Back Into History'

By Cheryl Rodewig, The BayonetMarch 4, 2010

FORT BENNING, Ga. - Fort Benning will celebrate the successes and contributions of women during the Women's History Month Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. March 18 at the Benning Conference Center. The theme for the luncheon is "Writing Women Back Into History."

The accomplishments of women throughout history - though just as significant as those of men - are often omitted from textbooks, said SFC Jean Thomas, equal opportunity advisor in charge of the event.

"A lot of women who have done great things for society ... have been forgotten," Thomas said. "(The luncheon) is going to highlight some of those women who have been written out of history. It helps us not forget the contributions women have made - women from all races, backgrounds and cultures."

The luncheon will provide guests an opportunity to learn more about well-known pioneers, from Sojourner Truth and Amelia Earheart to the famous runner Wilma Rudolph and the first American woman in space, Sally Ride, Thomas said.

Interest in women's history and women's studies gained momentum during the '70s, culminating in a presidential proclamation by Jimmy Carter in 1980 that created the first National Women's History Week.

The weeklong celebration, which coincided with International Women's Day March 8, officially was extended to the rest of the month in 1987 when Congress declared it National Women's History Month.

The Fort Benning celebration will include a poetry and song presentation, Agents of Change, by Wynnton Elementary School and a recitation of Maya Angelou's Phenomenal Woman, Thomas said.

The guest speaker will be LTC Mary Martin, commander of the 30th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception).

Tickets are $8.50 and include a buffet of roast beef, rice and gravy, green beans, rolls, sweet tea and cake. To purchase a ticket, contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 706-545-3196 or 706-45-3197.