The Multicultural Center of the South celebrated its 4th International Women’s Day Saturday, March 7, at 2pm, which featured accomplished women from different backgrounds living in Shreveport. The theme of the day was called “Wearing the stories of women’s lives” which aimed at promoting women who are authors, publishers, and educationalists.

Before the commencement of the event, the women formed a circle which resembled one of those sorority oaths, to represent the importance of unity among all women throughout the world through education, family, community, faith, mentoring, love, respect, and dignity for all.

Guests of the 4th International Women’s Day  Celebration at The Multicultural Center of the South | Photo by Malvya Chintakindi
Guests of the 4th International Women’s Day Celebration at The Multicultural Center of the South | Photo by Malvya Chintakindi

“Today is our contribution to the celebration of women’s history month,” said Janice Gatlin, Executive Director of the center. “We want women from various professions to come, display, and promote their businesses or ventures. It creates unity and sisterhood among women from different cultures.”

The guest speaker was Mrs. Velma J. Tarver, founder of the The Institute for Global Outreach. Her organization focuses on helping those who lack the resources to help themselves.

“We celebrate every woman today,” said Tarver. “We are all so powerful. When we step into our power, there is so much we can do. I do want us to connect with ourselves. As we are liberated from our own fear, other people around us are also empowered. Consider haters as admirers. If they had nothing to admire, they wouldn’t hate.”

Her organization provides aid and helps African and Ethiopian countries combat poverty and other survival problems. The event featured a few professors who are also authors. Racial discrimination and the need for awareness were effectively highlighted by one of them.

“By career choice, I am an English teacher,” said Dr. Frances Conley, a teacher and author. “I have always been in love with English. Being brought up in Shreveport, I realized that race relations weren’t good at all. From my observation, we have not done a good job of teaching our children to not behave indifferently with people from different cultures. My books feature race relations and integration of different cultures. Child characters in my books remove cultural barriers. I am also hugely inspired from my great grandfather who was a slave.”

The event had the presence of women from various backgrounds. A few brought their children along.

“I brought my daughter to understand women and how important it is to be a woman,” said Michelle Robertson, Care Manager for Humana. “I wanted her to have a multicultural experience and get to know the diversity. I wanted her to see the life and career path of all these women and get inspired.”

Through numerous cultural exhibits, musical programs, artistic endeavors, and demonstrations, the Center encourages visitors to take a vicarious journey to distant lands to learn about the practices and traditions transported to America both long-ago and by present day immigrants. It was a cherry on top that the event exclusively spotlighted women.

“I think it is very important that we recognize and appreciate all cultures in our community. Culture gives us an opportunity to care, understand, and appreciate each other and to become a part of this woven circle of love and unity,” said Vickie Marshall, Arts Resource Center Director at Shreveport Regional Arts Council.

Shreveport residents had the opportunity to witness this empowering event as it was open and free to the public. The crowd amounted to approximatly 50 and it seemed to be an interactive opportunity.

“I came because I was excited for women’s week,” said Kamesha West, co-manager of Walmart. “I had seen the event on the Facebook page of the multicultural center. I think it is important to recognize other women. You don’t need somebody famous; you just need someone who empowers you.”

The Center, located in the heart of downtown Shreveport, hosts exhibits reflecting each of the cultures present in Northwest Louisiana, including Jewish, Hispanic, Native American, Irish, Cajun, African-American, Middle East, German, East Indian, Greek, Asian, Creole, Scottish, and Slavic.

“I am really proud that Shreveport has a center like this to showcase different cultures that co-exist in Shreveport,” said Trina Chu, a local attorney. “This is a great time to celebrate women in general. We want our society to gain a true appreciation of the strength of women all around. In gaining such, we can have acceptance and equality for women in a global society.”

The event featured books of the women authors present; with a few of the books being available for sale. It was surely an empowering afternoon as it celebrated Shreveport women and their achievements, making me happy and proud. It reminded me to take pride in every little thing I do. To witness such talented women speak and share their experiences was so fascinating, not to mention the attractive accents and dresses, I say!

Do visit the center; it is open all through the week and is located in downtown Shreveport on 520 Spring Street. Treat yourself with their events and bask in the richness of the ethnic groups of Northwest Louisiana, I bet it would be an educational experience.