Women's History Month marked with weekend events

Weekend celebrations of National Women's History Month will honor national and local contributions by women.

Young and old are encouraged to attend the Saturday and Sunday events, said organizer Debra Mitchell-Braxton.

Through a long career in higher education administration, Mitchell-Braxton said she's been able to participate in many events noting the achievements of women and said it's important to make sure such celebrations continue.

"I just believe it's important not to forget our history, to be aware of what's happening around us in the present and what's coming in the future," she said.

The events kick off with the second annual hat luncheon, sponsored by the Delia Lane Missionary Society of St. James AME Church in Cape Girardeau. The Rev. Alice Rogan of St. John Praise and Worship Center in Pulaski, Illinois, will be the keynote speaker.

Held at the Centenary United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 300 N. Ellis St., this year's event will be announced as the Denza Zenobia Mitchell Hat Luncheon. Besides celebrating the accomplishments of women, the luncheon also helps raise money for mission work throughout the community. Funds from ticket sales are donated to help people in need.

Mitchell-Braxton said that's one of the reasons the luncheon is a fitting tribute to her mother, who dedicated more than 60 years to the St. James church by hosting events and participating in missionary and humanitarian work. That legacy also delivers an important message to those who question how they can make a difference in their communities. Mitchell-Braxton said her mother, who died in January, was a housewife and lived through times when women -- especially women of color -- had limited job options but never allowed that to hold her back from working to improve her community.

"So many of the women we're going to honor, they went ahead and did things within the community and within their churches," she said. "They made a difference, even though they didn't have CEO or executive jobs."

Some of those honors will be announced Sunday afternoon at the 10th annual Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King Tribute and Achievement Award Program. Mitchell-Braxton said women from all walks of life -- including the political, educational and religious arenas -- will be recognized during the program at St. James AME Church, 516 North St.

The program is open to the public and will feature spoken and musical tributes to Parks and King. Minister Thelma Valley will be the keynote speaker.

Tickets to the hat luncheon -- where guests are encouraged to don hats for the occasion -- are $5 and may be purchased by contacting Mitchell-Braxton at seanw2988@hotmail.com or calling 275-6814. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

300 N. Ellis St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

516 North St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

---

Want to go?

Saturday

What: Denza Zenobia Mitchell Hat Luncheon

When: Noon

Where: Centenary United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 300 N. Ellis St., Cape Girardeau

Cost: $5 per ticket

Sunday

What: 10th annual Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King Tribute and Achievement Award Program

When: 4 p.m.

Where: St. James AME Church, 516 North St., Cape Girardeau

Cost: Free