Meet the panelists for the Charlotte Women’s March Spring Meeting.
A panel discussion on “Effective Activism” will highlight the April 18 spring meeting of the Charlotte Women’s March at First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St. in uptown Charlotte.
The event will feature four accomplished voices at the forefront of the North Carolina women’s movement:
- Former state Democratic Rep. Martha Alexander.
- Brenda Tindal, Levine Museum of the New South head historian.
- Marcie Shealy, Planned Parenthood director of philanthropy.
- Pam Huston, chief counsel capital markets at U.S. Bank and chairwoman of Lillian’s List, a recruiting organization supporting progressive women candidates for statewide office.
“These women are Charlotte rock stars,” said Kathryn Mahan, a founding member of the Charlotte Women’s March, which held its organizational meeting on Feb. 7.
As a state lawmaker, Alexander was elected to 10 terms while representing her Mecklenburg County congressional district from 1993-2012 when she lost her seat due to redistricting.
At 34, Tindal became the first woman and African American historian at the Levine Museum when she was appointed in August 2015 to replace retiring counterpart Tom Hanchett. A scholar whose work has centered on the wives of martyred civil rights leaders, she will receive a doctoral degree in history and culture from Emory University in June. “I think it will be a great conversation,” Tindal said referring to the panel discussion.
Shealy, who joined Planned Parenthood after working as a volunteer on Obama presidential campaigns, is the lead fundraiser for the embattled healthcare organization now under renewed political and financial attack by the Conservative Right. While the Charlotte office offers no abortion services and has seen its federal funding severely curtailed, Shealy’s office remains vigilant in servicing a wide variety of women’s healthcare needs. In August, it expanded that role when it began to offer healthcare services for transgender clients under a grant from the Foundation for the Carolinas’ Lesbian and Gay Fund.
As Lillian List’s board chair, Hutson’s group has actively sought and backed progressive women candidates including current state office holders elected in November, Reps. Cynthia Bell and Mary Belk, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and State Auditor Beth Wood.
“I am looking forward to hearing how we can become more effective in our effort to bring about change,” said Jan Anderson. “We are meeting to rally our membership, welcome new members and march on.”
Anderson, who helped organize a busload contingent to Washington for the national Women’s March, igniting a nationwide and international response by fellow activists, is hoping the spring meeting will continue that inspirational drive.
Toward that end, the Tuesday, April 18 meeting will kick off with a 5:30 p.m. social hour with visitors given plenty of opportunity to peruse informational tables on issues ranging from women’s health, education and family, immigration, LGBT causes, environment, racial justice, voter registration, candidate recruitment, support and legislation.
Attendance and parking is free. Enter the deck on 9th St. between Tryon St. And Church St. Bring your parking ticket with you for validation.
#charlottewomensmarch #effectiveactivism #hearourvoice