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Best Ways To Celebrate Women's History Month 2013 In Detroit

Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks (Credit: Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images)

Women's History Month celebrates historical events and innovations attributed specifically to women. This worldwide occasion, held every March, is dedicated to honoring the contributions and achievements of women. Starting in 1911 as International Women's Day, the one-day tribute was lengthened to one week in the early 1980s. The interest was so great, that about a decade later, this important occasion was expanded to a month-long, annual commemoration. This year's theme is "Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics." Honorees include distinctive women throughout history and today who represent the fields of robotics, medicine, atmospheric chemistry, architecture and computer programming.

Women, An Exhibition
Detroit Contemporary
5141 Rosa Parks Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48208
(313) 510-1815
www.detroitcontemporary.com
Dates: March 9 through April 7, 2013

Detroit Contemporary is holding a juried exhibition called "Women," an event occurring annually during Women's History Month. The focus of this show is work that "honors and celebrates women" through the use of different mediums and varying subject matter. Artwork created by a diverse range of female artists will be shown. Detroit Contemporary is a community hub which features gallery space, a performance venue and a media studio. This organization serves as a catalyst for positive social change within a supportive environment by providing a framework for artists to exchange ideas openly.

Wonder Women, Film Screening and Discussion
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Multi Purpose Room
315 E. Warren Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 494-5800
www.thewright.org
Date: March 7, 2013

"Wonder Women: The Untold Story of American Superheroines" by Kristy Guevara-Flanagan is being shown at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. This film explores the idea that when women are depicted as strong and powerful, it creates an anxiety which manifests itself in the general population. This film touches on the iconic Wonder Woman character and how she was used by the Women's Movement as an equal in a traditionally male-dominated role. Lynda Carter and Gloria Steinem are interviewed in this feature-length film. Yolanda Jack, Museum Educator at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, will be the moderator of the panel discussion. The discussion of the film will be held immediately following the showing.

Related: Best Books About Detroit

Votes for Women, An Exhibit
Henry Ford Museum

20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, MI 48124
(313) 982-6001
www.thehenryford.org

Important pieces of historical significance for women are showcased at the Henry Ford Museum. This exhibition provides visual details representing the women's suffrage movement in the form of documents, signage and photographs. The "Votes for Women" exhibit features artifacts that represent women's struggles and victories, which culminated in women achieving the right to vote. It is presented in conjunction with the "With Liberty and Justice for All" exhibit.

Voices of Light, Concert
Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 833-7900
www.dia.org
Dates: March 22-23, 2013

In honor of Women's History Month, "Voices of Light" will be presented by the Rackham Symphony Choir in the DFT Auditorium at the Detroit Institute of Arts. This event will feature an orchestra and choir, as well as soloists. Composed by Richard Einhorn, this unique piece is billed as a "celebration of the female spirit" and will be performed alongside Dreyer's silent film, "The Passion of Joan of Arc." Joan of Arc was a woman who carried the French Army to victory during the 15th century. The Friday evening performance is the dress rehearsal, which the public is invited to attend.

Detroit Public Library
Main Branch
5201 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 481-1300
www.detroitpubliclibrary.org
Link to e-book database: www.catalog.dalnet.lib.mi.us

In commemoration of Women's History Month, the Detroit Public Library has curated a collection of books authored exclusively by women. The use of the e-book database, via DALNET, is available to anyone with computer access. The Distinguished American Women Collection features almost 100 works from notable female writers. Works include both fiction and non-fiction from Willa Cather, Louisa May Alcott and Emily Dickinson. The selected books span almost a century - from the 1830s to the 1920s.

Related: Best Places To Experience Art On A Budget In Detroit

After receiving a BA in Photography from Savannah College of Art & Design, Nicole Wrona began working with a diverse range of musicians. In addition, she is a freelance writer for numerous publications. Her work can be found at www.metalleaves.com and Examiner.com.

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