Since the suffragette movement, March 8 has been a celebration of women across the world, marking a day of activism and recognition. This year’s theme? Press for progress.
Whether you initiate change through marches, rallies or an Instagram post honoring your favorite women, A&E has you covered for this Thursday, with events on campus and beyond.
Feminist Ambassador Brigade and the Women’s Center
Ever been jealous of the University of Minnesota-themed feminist beanie you saw someone wearing on the Connector? You can thank the Women’s Center for that. The resource center and its student group, the Feminist Ambassador Brigade, will host its International Women’s Day celebration in its offices.
“I think we decided on a softer, kinder approach this year because I feel like campus climate lately has felt a little burnt out and tired,” said Nicole Prak, a Feminist Ambassador Brigade member and sophomore studying psychology. “Last year, I felt like there was a lot of energy with the Women’s March and what not … but now I feel like a lot of people are just tired, and respecting that and understanding that that’s OK is important.”
The afternoon will be focused on self-care, confidence and affirmations.
“We’re also making a timeline since International Women’s Day was started, and we’ll be asking visitors to add on to that timeline by adding moments when they achieved something significant in terms of social justice or their own personal journey with feminism,” said An Nguyen, a senior studying biology, society and the environment. “For example, I can put a Post-It note on 2014, when I first found out about feminism.”
When: 12-2 p.m.
Where: 64 Appleby Hall, 128 Pleasant St SE, Minneapolis
My Sister Pop-Up Weekend
My Sister is a local clothing brand that sources ethically-produced materials and gives back to nonprofits working to end sex trafficking. The store will launch its new collection on International Women’s Day.
Can’t make it on Thursday? The event runs through Saturday, so there’s ample time to carry the spirit of the day through the weekend.
When: 12-6 p.m.
Where: My Sister, 1616 Lake St W, Minneapolis
Art and Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thon
Despite its reputation in academic communities, Wikipedia remains one of the largest online encyclopedias, and many users start (and end) their research on the platform.
“The art and feminism Wikipedia movement started as a way to correct the gender gap on Wikipedia … Wikipedia is known for being edited mostly by men, and there’s actually data collected on this,” said Katy Vonk, a librarian at Midway Contemporary Art.
Midway Contemporary Art’s Art and Feminism Edit-a-thon on Thursday will begin with a basic tutorial in editing Wikipedia entries. Seasoned editors will be available to guide research and answer questions.
“We can help people figure out [which artists] they would like to work on … and then we can help them research. It’s a nice little camaraderie to do this collectively,” Vonk said.
As miniscule as the act of editing an online encyclopedia entry can seem, the action can influence future researchers.
“It’s like writing the future of who matters and who doesn’t. It’s a very democratic platform,” Vonk said. “There’s rules but we have to make sure that it’s representative and diverse and not just the victors that write history.”
When: 12-4 p.m.
Where: Midway Contemporary Art, 527 2nd Ave SE, Minneapolis
FeMNist Un-Conference and Night Market
Still Kickin’, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit started by local writer Nora McInerny, and The Coven, a new female-run co-working space for women and non binary individuals, have teamed up for a two-part, Minnesota-focused event — FeMNist Day 2018.
FeMNist Day will begin at The Coven by focusing on connecting women with mentors and resources to help them reach their creative or business goals. In the evening, Still Kickin’ will open its doors to female-run local businesses for a FeMNist Night Market.
“The two-part day is really intended to do the most for what each of our organizations is good at,” said Bethany Iverson, one of the founders of The Coven. “At The Coven, for example, we’re in the business of economic empowerment for women and non binary people.”
For both organizations, the day is an opportunity to showcase their talents and, primarily, to support women in the Twin Cities area.
“We think that every day should be International Women’s Day. … Obviously the businesses that we’re in are about uplifting and empowering women. … What better day to do that?” Iverson said.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 5-10 p.m.
Where: The Coven, 30 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis; Grain Belt Bottling House, 79 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis
Milkjam Creamery
The best way to end any day is with ice cream. Every year, Milkjam Creamery renames its flavors after famous women during the month of March. This year’s offerings include singer Selena Quintanilla (raspberry with chocolate chips), Martha Stewart (grapefruit with gin) and Mom (Oreo and peanut butter).
Even their decadent sundaes have been redone — a classic hot fudge sundae served on top of a waffle was, appropriately, named after Leslie Knope of “Parks and Recreation.”
Where: Milkjam Creamery, 2743 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis
