April 29, 2005
The day appeared uneventful -- students walking back and forth to classes under a backdrop of overcast skies. But in the midst of a seemingly normal day, a historical occasion of momentous significance was taking place in Antisdel Chapel.
Women of all walks of life gathered in an unspoken, unofficial ceremony of sisterhood to pay tribute to great women in America and more closer to home, phenomenal women at Benedict College. From pew to pew, women in diverse roles on the campus graced the Chapel with their presence for a common purpose – to commemorate and celebrate National Women’s History Month, which occurred in March. The theme was “Women Change America.”
As the program commenced, an effervescence of womanly solidarity permeated the recently renovated Chapel, which beamed in its renewed glory. Setting the tone, the Female Ensemble, comprised of talented students, led the first tribute on the program, delivering a sterling rendition of “Available to You.”
Next, The Gamma Pi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. added a taste of diversity to the occasion with their emotionally compelling orations, accompanied by harmonious background singing. Leading the group of young men, Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, Associate Professor of English and Dean for the School of Honors, spoke alive the words written by the great Langston Hughes in “Mother to Son,” the poet’s soulful ode to mothers.
In another poem, untitled, Kashif Wingo, a sophomore Elementary Education major, delivered in his own words a heartfelt tribute that addressed struggles and triumphs his mother experienced, raising five children alone. But, more importantly, his poetic expressions symbolized the courage of women and their vital role in our society.
“How I thank the Lord for my momma…the best math equation my mother taught me was, one cross plus three nails equals forgiving,” Wingo spoke to an audience of women who were obviously touched, some moved to tears and others nodding and clapping.
The program was turned over to the keynote speaker, who delivered a dynamic message, which reaffirmed what was already the prevailing sentiment – the contributions of women have made America what it is today.
Fitting as the speaker, Dr. Janeen P. Witty, Dean for the School of Education at Benedict is an accomplished educator at the local, state and national levels. She has dedicated her career to advancing the field of education and has made significant contributions in academia. Completing her doctorate degree at age 27, Dr. Witty has made great accomplishments. Under her leadership, the School of Education was accredited through the National Council for Accreditation for Teacher Education.
With the grace of a minister and confidence of a commanding officer, Dr. Witty comfortably took her place at the podium. In a cleverly crafted message, she navigated the audience through the history of women in America: its past, present and future.
At the opening of her speech, Dr. Witty steered the audience back to the past as she spoke of how married women had to surrender many of their rights to their husbands, including the right to own property. She pointed out the disconcerting fact that before 1920, women could not even vote.
Despite these disheartening facts about American Women’s History, Dr. Witty offered current facts that testify to significant advancements women have made and their contributions to society. As she guided us into the present, Dr. Witty conveyed amazing facts such as the number of women registered to vote exceeds men; more women attend institutions of higher learning; and at Benedict, the student ratio of men to women is nearly equal.
Additionally, Dr. Witty’s discussion followed a course that maneuvered the audience through an excavation of Women’s History Month. A seasoned researcher, she uncovered interesting information from four interviews with students in public school grades 3rd, 6th, 8th and 11th. Startling, yet truthful, none of the students ever heard of Women’s History Month – and even more alarming, their mothers were unaware that Women’s History Month is observed in March.
Though Dr. Witty expressed concern about her findings, she also remained hopeful as she moved the discussion to a more positive note, closer to home. Crediting women across the campus for their contributions to changing America, Dr. Witty was a trumpet to the unsung “sheroes” at Benedict.
Captivating her audience, she asked, “Just think, what would Benedict College be like were it not for the women of the College? We can start with Mrs. Bathsheba,” founder of the institution.
Recognizing Dr. Ruby Watts for her “gracious and tenacious guiding hands” Dr. Witty praised the Executive Vice President of Benedict for her dedicated service to the College. Next, she called out the names of the four special honorees for Women’s History Month that included: Dr. Alma Weaver Byrd, Dr. Marianna White Davis, Mrs. Naomi Hall Dreher and Mrs. Ethel Henderson Taylor. Each woman was honored through biographical tributes that told the illustrious stories of their lives. These women may have taken different paths, but each one has come full circle in the field of education, sharing a common interest and passion.
“Of course, I could go on and on about all of the highly qualified, highly dedicated women on the faculty and staff of Benedict College. Let’s not think about what things would be like without the women of Benedict College. Let’s be thankful and let’s let them now while they can hear us that we appreciate all they do,” Dr. Witty commented.
Finally, Dr. Witty “fast-forwarded” her discourse toward the future, specifically the year 2050, challenging the students and younger generation to become future women leaders such as Condoleeza Rice, Toni Morrison, Mae Jamison, President of the United States or even President of Benedict College.
“So today, we pay tribute to women – women who changed America (historically), women who are changing America now, and we encourage young women of Benedict College to make your marks on America by becoming a power for good in society,” Dr. Witty emphasized.
Source: Office of Public Relations
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