19th Amendment Phoenix Celebration – “Phoenix Herstories”
A Photography Exhibit, Video Testimonials, Inspired
Storytelling & Curricular Guides
The Phoenix Arts & Culture and Women’s Commissions, along with other community champions, are hosting a 2020 centennial celebration of a woman’s right to vote. The event includes an online photography exhibit, video testimonials, storytelling, and curricular guides for our schools. “While our original idea of having a large audience and traveling exhibit had to be adjusted due to the pandemic, it never stopped our task force’s momentum and we are proud of what has been accomplished”, states Regina Nixon, taskforce chair and chair of the Arts & Culture Commission.
The ‘Phoenix Herstories’ photography exhibit is accompanied with video testimonials on why voting and community engagement matters. Claudia Johnstone was selected to photograph the 31 female influencers who visually convey Phoenix’s unique cityscape of women making a difference in a variety of career settings. These 31 honorees were selected because of the civic engagement and leadership they have shown within our community. “We want to honor the historical struggles to gain ratification of a woman’s right to vote by amplifying the stories of women within our own community who are pushing us forward today,” said Linda Alexander, Phoenix Women’s Commission.
‘Phoenix Herstories’, will be on display on our six-story video wall on the southeast-facing exterior wall of the hotel. The carousel of video-projected images will be prominently displayed from 8 pm until 1 am beginning on September 1 and running through the month.
Dedicated website, www.phxherstories.org., includes women describing their voting experiences, telling stories about other women who inspired them, links to the history of the 19th Amendment, events focused on the 19th Amendment as well as curricular guides for teachers and students that highlight historical aspects and connect our shared history to today’s female leaders.
South Mountain Community College Storytelling Institute faculty director Liz Warren organized a storytelling forum August 20-29, 2020 to help identify modern changemakers. Community members shared stories about women who cared about the community and championed the rights of others. These stories are part of a workshop series included on the 19th Amendment website. For further information about the Storytelling workshops, please visit: www.storytellinginstitute.weebly.com/workshop-registration.html
The taskforce plans for a year-long commemoration of the 19th Amendment, honoring prominent female heroes in the Phoenix community. The project aims to educate the next generation about significant historical events while allowing community members to share their own inspiring stories. The plan is to move forward with a traveling exhibit, including at City Hall, as is feasible in the next year.
‘Phoenix Herstories’ honorees are:
For more information click here.
