Women Writing History

by Karen L. Wisotzkey

"Behind every good man stands a good woman." Wait! Who said that? Who says women are standing behind the men?

In the past decades, women have moved from the background to the forefront where they can more equally share the limelight for their accomplishments and contributions.

March is Women’s History Month;
but even if you’re not a history buff, there’s absolutely no reason to remain in the dark when it comes to our women history-makers of today. Keep in mind that history, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Contributions that don’t impact city, state, or country may still make a world of difference to just one family or change life for someone next door. Regardless of the scope of history, it is important to remember that long ago, women were considered second class citizens and didn’t even have the same rights as men. It is now time to recognize the opportunities women have to stand out in the world.

History doesn’t necessarily have to be that which makes headlines in the media. Consider this... history is being made all the time. The importance of history is that we need to pass information on to the next generation in order to keep dreams, cultures, and traditions alive. The power of the written word in passing on that information is unsurpassed. The beauty of women passing that information along is that women of every culture have their own perspectives to offer.

During March, our local community has many programs available during which the accomplishments of today’s women will be recognized and celebrated - many of them as writers. Penn State Harrisburg will feature Ntozake Shange, author of the play For Colored Girls, Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf on Wednesday, March 19 at the Student Center & Gallery Lounge from 3:30-4:30 pm and 7-8 pm, and will also include book signing.

Encore Books will be featuring several local women writers to share their perspectives. Nancy Springer, lifelong fiction writer, will talk about ways for women to break into publishing on Saturday, March 15 at 2 pm. Springer has won numerous awards, including two Edgar Allen Poe Awards from the Mystery Writers of America. On Sunday, March 16 at 3 pm, Encore will present "If What You’re Writing is History - What Are You Telling Your Kids?" During this presentation, Miriam Kessler, author of "Someone To Pour the Wine", will discuss the use of poetry to share generational history. Dr. Dorothy King, playwright and college instructor, who has been published in Essence as well as in "A Rock Against the Wind" alongside other women such as Maya Angelou and Ruby Dee, will share her writings on the topic of relationships. And Betty Curtis, former associate, Commonwealth Library will observe the importance of passing history along to the young people in our families. The program will include a round table discussion and a book signing will follow. The Dauphin County Library System will present Rachel Vail, award-winning children’s author, for a talk and book signing at Elizabethtown Area Library on Tuesday, March 18 at 6:30 pm. Vail has been awarded several honors, including 1994-1995 Young Hoosier Book Award, and 1994 New York Public Library 100 Best Children’s Books.

This Women’s History Month, learn how women writers are making history in their own ways. It is very important for us to recognize these women who use their talents to influence the next generation. It may be worth it just to find out what stands behind each of these great women who has stepped into the spotlight!