ST. GEORGE – Women’s History Month brings inspiration to Southern Utah from women near and distant in three events over three weeks: On Tuesday, the Utah Business Women of St. George will enjoy guest speaker Janice Brooks sharing words and wisdom of great women in history; on March 20, the experiences of three women who brought leadership in the midst of Columbian warfare will be featured in a special screening of the documentary film, “We Women Warriors;” and on March 27, Brooks will again bring women of history to life through Dixie State University Cultural Arts’ debut of her one-woman show, “Traveling Shoes.”
The March 11 UBW luncheon will be held at the Abbey Inn located at 1129 South Bluff Street in St. George. UBW invites guests and members to network, interact, exchange ideas, educate and empower one another. The luncheon cost is $15.
The March 20 screening of “We Women Warriors” will include a 5:30 p.m. reception beforehand and a panel discussion afterward brought by Women in Higher Education Network and Utah Business Women. This event is free admission to all and will be held at the Eccles Fine Arts Center on the Dixie State University campus, 225 S. 700 E., in St. George. The film will show around 7-7:15 p.m.
The March 27 one-time one-woman show of “Traveling Shoes” will be brought by DSU Cultural Arts and performed by Brooks at 7 p.m., in the Eccles Concert Hall on the DSU Campus at 225 S. 700 E., St. George. Admission is $7 and the 90-minute performance is suitable for men and women, boys and girls, of all ages.
About “We Women Warriors” – DOCUTAH film synopsis:
“We Women Warriors” follows three native women caught in the crossfire of Columbia’s warfare who use nonviolent resistance to defend their people’s survival. In Colombia there are 102 aboriginal groups, 1/3 of which are in danger of extinction because of the ongoing conflict. Trapped in a protracted predicament financed by the drug trade, indigenous women are resourcefully leading and creating transformation imbued with hope. ‘We Women Warriors’ bears witness to rights abuses and interweaves character-driven stories about female empowerment, unshakable courage and faith in the survival of indigenous culture.
About Janice Brooks and “Traveling Shoes”
Presently an Ivins resident, Brooks is a woman who celebrates the unusual and unorthodox. Her creativity is revealed in public speaking, consulting, writing and storytelling, while her business and community activism have been seen in such endeavors as service on the Clark County Housing Authority in Nevada, chairing the Commissioner’s Committee for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, and more recent service as CEO of St. George’s Green Valley Spa.
Brooks has been a traveling guest teacher, visiting public schools, libraries and colleges throughout the southwestern United States, sharing her insights on women of history.
In “Traveling Shoes,” Brooks brings eight women of history to life through dramatic characterization – women who “circle my emotional wagon,” Brooks said. “All of these women were simply remarkable for their time, and powerfully strong.”
Portrayed by Brooks are: abolitionist-orator Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman of the underground railroad, Rosa Parks of the civil rights movement, Texas politician Barbra Jordan, Utah pioneers Biddy Mason and Jane Manning, Buffalo Soldier Cathay Williams, and Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm who was the first African-American woman elected to Congress.
“They were visionary, they were leaders, and they were all unafraid,” Brooks said of the women she will present, attributes that can be cultivated by simply “taking pause and looking back.”
Event recaps
- What: Utah Business Women Luncheon with guest speaker, Janice Brooks
- Where: Abbey Inn, 1129 South Bluff Street, St. George
- When: Tuesday, March 11, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Cost: $15
- Contact: RSVP to [email protected]
- What: Film screening of “We Women Warriors”
- Where: Eccles Fine Arts Center at Dixie State University, 225 S. 700 E., St. George
- When: Thursday, March 20 | reception at 5:30 p.m. | film at 7-7:15 p.m. | panel discussion following
- What: DSU Cultural Arts debut of “Traveling Shoes” with Janice Brooks
- Where: Eccles Concert Hall at Dixie State University, 225 S. 700 E., St. George
- When: March 27 | 7 p.m.
- Cost / Tickets: $7 | Dixie State Universivity Box Office | DSU boxoffice online
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Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @JoyceKuzmanic
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Janice Brooks is an incredible and talented woman. If you have never had the pleasure of hearing her please make the time to do so. You won’t be disappointed.