Best Chicago Places To Celebrate Women's History Month 2014
Sometimes a little nudge is needed to recognize women's contributions to the professions and the world. After merely celebrating Women's History Week in the early to mid-1980s, a petition by the National Women's History Project in 1987 pushed Congress, then the following presidents, to designate all of March as Women's History Month. Take advantage of Chicago happenings to celebrate the month or become inspired. Opportunities range from a luncheon or symposium to an exhibit or play. They are for women, about women or by women.
'Dessa Rose' at the Bailiwick
Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater
2433 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 969-6201
www.bailiwickchicago.com
Dates: March 6 - April 5, 2014
"Dessa Rose" is a musical drama based on an actual situation. It brings to life the friendship and struggles of Desa Rose, an escaped black woman slave and Ruth, an abandoned white farm woman in 1847. The Bailiwick production is a world premiere with book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty.
Womenetics: POW! Awards Luncheon
Chicago Metropolitan Club
Willis Tower
233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 67
Chicago, IL 60606
(404) 816-7224
www.womenetics.com
Date: March 19, 2014 - from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
In its second year as a Chicago event, the luncheon honors Illinois women with strong business and community impact. This is a chance to network with professionals who make a difference from finance and health care to retail and transportation. The luncheon's theme, "The Defining Moment," recognizes women who have been at the forefront of today's shift in business leadership. It is also inspiring because it points out that women are identifying, challenging and shaping issues and opportunities.
Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair
Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 642-4600
www.chicagohistory.org
Date: Through May 11, 2014
The exhibit features how Eunice W. Johnson raised fashion consciousness and self-awareness through an extraordinary annual fashion show. Clothing by Stephen Burrows, Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta and Yves Saint Laurent and other couturiers are showcased.
Related: Best Ways To Celebrate Women's History Month 2013 In Chicago
Women's Business Owners Symposium: It's Your Time
UIC Forum
University of Illinois at Chicago
725 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608
www.illinois.gov
Date: March 27, 2014 - from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Known as WBOS, the event is organized by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Women's Business Development Department and co-sponsored by the Small Business Administration. Panel discussions include information technology, how to get a product or service into the "Buy Illinois" program, equal pay, the Affordable Care Act, state and federal programs and procurement opportunities, access to capital and other issues important to current and future women entrepreneurs. In addition, more than 50 exhibitors and consultants are there to address business concerns. The symposium is also a good networking opportunity.
Black Women's Expo
McCormick Place
North Building, Hall C1
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 454-6100
www.theblackwomensexpo.com
Dates: March 28-30, 2014 - Fri.-Sat. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The expo combines entertainment, culture and health with food, fashion and international business information. It is a fun, spiritual, uplifting and informative event. An International Seminar will cover "Global impact of the black identity crisis" and "How to start and expand your business overseas."
Related: Best Ways To Learn About Presidential And American History In Chicago
Jodie Jacobs is a veteran journalist who loves writing about Chicago, art, theater, museums and travel. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
