Renowned scholar, ardent feminist and social activist bell hooks will be the special guest at the Women of Color Conference, put on by the University’s ASUO Women’s Center.
Born Gloria Jean Watkins, hooks, a Kentucky native, later changed her name to honor her mother and grandmother. The “b” and “h” in her name are not capitalized because she wants the world to focus on her writings and not her name, according to a Women’s Center press release.
“She’s an amazing woman who’s extremely passionate about what she does,” said Brandy Ota, interim director of the Women’s Center. “I think she’ll add a whole new dimension to our lineup of activities.”
The two-day conference, beginning today, will also feature workshops and talks led by a number of notable women, including performance artist and former Women’s Center Director Erin O’Brien, Cynthia Richards and local entrepreneur Lisa Johnson.
“This year, we are working with the theme ‘Mind, Body, and Soul,” said Brittinie Harper, the organizer of the conference and diversity issues coordinator for the Women’s Center.
Workshops will include a variety of topics, such as women in leadership roles, HIV awareness for minority women, a panel discussion about being an ally to women and a self-defense and yoga session. The conference is aimed specifically at women of color, but everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the activities.
hooks will have a book signing tonight at 5 p.m. in EMU Suite 3, followed by a 6 p.m. presentation at 150 Columbia. Workshop registration is Saturday at 9:30 a.m., and workshops begin at 10 a.m. It is free for University students, staff and faculty. For more information, go to darkwing.uoregon.edu/~women/.
ASUO Women’s Center to host Women of Color Conference
Daily Emerald
February 2, 2006
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