Women's History Month
History and Resources
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as the first National Women's History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded the celebration from a week into a month, and March is now National Women's History Month.
Since that time, Bakersfield College has participated in the nationwide effort to recognize the historical accomplishments of women with a month-long series of programs presented by local and regional leaders among women.
Women's History and More (WHAM) at Bakersfield College organizes an array of programs that are open and free to the public. See WHAM's website for previous events.
This year WHAM chose to emphasize the positive change women can make in the lives of each other and in broader society. Our series of events will explore and celebrate how women across groups ally to create power for positive change.
Please visit the libguide created by Professor and Research Librarian Faith Bradham for research materials.
Resources
Find out more about Women's History Month at these sites:
- Women's History Month (.gov)
- National Women's History Project
- National Women's History Project: Why March is National Women's History Month
- Library of Congress Women of Protest Collection
- National Parks Service: Women's History
Committee Members
- Nicole Alvarez, Program Director Student Life nicole.alvarez@bakersfieldcollege.edu
- Kimberly Chin, Professor of Theater and Performing Arts kchin@bakersfieldcollege.edu
- Laura Luiz, Reference Librarian laura.luiz@bakersfieldcollege.edu
- Olivia Garcia, Professor of History and Journalism olivia.garcia@bakersfieldcollege.edu
- Jenny Grohol, Professor of History jennifer.grohol@bakersfieldcollege.edu
- Tina Mendoza, Professor of History tina.mendoza@bakersfieldcollege.edu
- Julianna Mullen, Office Supervisor Student Life julianna.mullen@bakersfieldcollege.edu
- Kristin Rabe, Assistant Director IT krabe@bakersfieldcollege.edu
- Beth Rodacker, Professor of English erodacke@bakersfieldcollege.edu
- Isabel Saldivar, Student Member- BCSGA Director of Activities bcsgaactivities@bakersfieldcollege.edu
Women's History Month Events
March 7, 2024
6:00PM, Zoom Webinar
WHAM Committee and Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Present: Latina in Business and Leadership Panel
March 12, 2024
1:30PM, Levan Center
WHAM Committee and BCSGA Present Campus Stories: Voices of Female Scholars at Bakersfield College
March 21, 2024
7:30PM, Performing Arts Center
BC Theater Arts Presents The Lilies of the Field. Additional Performances on 3/22/24 and 3/23/24. Please visit the Performing Arts Ticket page for more info and purchase options.
March 3, 2022
The Voice of Mexican-American Culture, A Film Screening & Discussion of Linda & the
Mockingbirds
Director and producer James Keach travels with legendary Mexican American musician Linda Ronstadt, musician Jackson Brown, and several, young Cenzontles in celebration of the rich musical and cultural impact of Mexico on Mexican American music and culture. They travel to Banàmichi in Sonora, Mexico, the birthplace of Ronstadt's grandfather. Professor of English for Multilingual Students Elizabeth Rodacker will introduce the documentary, and she and History Professor Erin Miller will facilitate discussion about the film via live Zoom Webinar.
Faculty Coordinator: Beth Rodacker, Professor of English for Multilingual Students.
March 10, 2022
Loss & Longing: The Truth & Beauty of Latina Lives - The Girls in My Town Essays by Angela Morales
"Loss & Longing: The Truth & Beauty of Latina Lives,” features professor and author Angela Morales. Her autobiographical writing captures the daily lives of Latinas living in Los Angeles across generations. Her stories capture the beauty of everyday life and the ways in which equality and rights pervade our experiences and inform her journey.
Faculty Coordinator: Elizabeth Rodacker, Professor of English for Multilingual Students. Brought to you in collaboration with the Bakersfield College Student Government Association, the Office of Student Life, and the BC Women's History and More Committee (WHAM).
March 17, 2022
Alliance & Power in a Time of Adversity, A Panel Discussion
Dr. Jessica Grimes; Edith Mata; Dr. Erica Gibblin; Jenny Grohol; Michelle Oja
Gender Theory, Applying Theory Through Activism, Volunteerism, Power
An inspiring discussion about how women can create power and build alliances into forces for change. Themes of overcoming challenges, building alliances, creating power for women and for society, and civic duty. Faculty Coordinator and Moderator: Tina Mendoza, History Professor, Taft College & Bakersfield College Brought to you by the BC Women's History and More Committee (WHAM)
March 22, 2022
Ain't I a Woman!: A Musical Theatrical Presentation by Core Ensemble
Fannie Lou Hamer; Clementine Hunter; Zora Neale Hurston; Sojourner Truth
African American; Women; Activism; Leadership
"A chamber music theatre work for actress and trio (cello, piano & percussion) celebrating the lives and times of four significant African American women: ex-slave and fiery abolitionist Sojourner Truth, renowned novelist and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, exuberant folks artist Clementine Hunter and fervent civil rights worker Fannie Lou Hamer. Text is by Kim Hines. The musical score is drawn from the heartfelt spirituals of the Deep South, the urban exuberance of the Jazz Age and concert music by African American composers including Diane Monroe."
Latinas in Business Leadership, A Panel Discussion
Latinas; Success; Empowerment
An engaging dialogue about Latinas engaged in local business and leadership roles. Themes of achieving success, overcoming challenges, embracing empowerment, and finding the secrets to business collaboration and partnerships. Brought to you by the BC Women's History and More Committee (WHAM).
Faculty Coordinator and Moderator: Olivia Garcia, Professor of History and Chairwoman of the KCHCC
March 24, 2022
Distinguished Speaker Erika Sánchez: Novelist, Poet & Feminist
Erika L. Sánchez is a novelist, poet, feminist, and cheerleader for young women everywhere. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling Young Adult novel, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter (Knopf, 2017), which was a finalist for the National Book Award, and the acclaimed debut poetry collection, Lessons in Expulsion (Graywolf Press, 2017), which the Washington Post called “a fierce, assertive debut.” Her poems have appeared in many literary journals, including Poets.org, Vinyl Poetry, Guernica, diode, Boston Review, the Paris Review, Gulf Coast, POETRY Magazine, and The New York Times Magazine. Her poetry has also been featured on “Latino USA” on NPR and published in Please Excuse This Poem: 100 New Poems for the Next Generation (Viking 2015).
The daughter of undocumented Mexican immigrants, Sánchez grew up in the working-class town of Cicero, IL. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude from the University of Illinois at Chicago, then went onto Madrid, Spain on a Fulbright Scholarship. After her scholarship, she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where she received an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of New Mexico. She currently lives in Chicago.
March 1-31, 2022
Women's Voices In a Time of Authenticity, Intersectionality, Alliance & Power: A Library Book Display
BC Library
Faith Bradham | Books to Read
Women's History Month - LibGuides at Bakersfield College
April 22, 2022
I Have A Voice, A Musical Concert by Moira Smiley
Musical Concert | Female Composers | Women's Voices
Director and Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Jennifer Garrett, Professor of Music
Brought to you by the BC Performing Arts Department
April 27-30, 2022
The Wolves A Theatre Production by Sarah DeLappe
Dramatic Play | Conflict & Overcoming | Women
Professor of Theatre Brian Sivesind will direct Bakersfield College theatre actors in his production of Sarah DeLappe's play The Wolves. Adult content and language. No children will be admitted.
Director and Faculty Coordinator: Brian Sivesind, Professor of Performing Arts, brought to you by the BC Performing Arts Department.
Women, Covid-19, & Its Impact on Our Campus and Community
Please use the excellent Women, Covid-19, & Its Impact on Our Campus and Community lib guide research librarian Faith Bradham developed on this year's WHAM theme.
Thursday, March 2, 2021
Elaine Weiss
Distinguished Speaker Elaine Weiss, journalist and author will inspire audiences with conversations about what it takes to change the Constitution, the power of civic engagement, how change is made, and the story of past and present voting rights.
Saturday, March 4, 2021
Jean Fuller Women In Leadership Panel
Bakersfield College will kick off Women's History Month with a discussion and panel, moderated by Early College champion and Republican Senator Emeritus, Jean Fuller. Hosted by BC's President, Dr. Sonya Christian, the panel will include local women who will share their influences, challenges, and successes along with words of advice for young women. View the Jean Fuller Women In Leadership Panel Video.
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
A Candid Conversation About Online Education in the Age of COVID-19
Professor Tina Mendoza will moderate a discussion on online education in the age of Covid-19. Read more and register for A Candid Conversation About Online Education in the Age of COVID-19.
Thursday, March 25, 2021
A Dialogue on COVID-19: The Vaccine & Your Health
Professor Olivia Garcia will moderate a panel discussion on Latino COVID-19 Task Force Public Health vaccine, COVID-19 and Mental Health Hotline, Physical Health, Farmworker Outreach, and Women-specific Health Impact. Read more about and register for A Dialogue on COVID-19: The Vaccine & Your Health.
Note: Due to the campus closure for the safety of our students, faculty and staff during the pandemic, many events were canceled or rescheduled.
March 2, 2020
Iron Jawed Angels
6:00 PM | Levan Center
Professors Elizabeth Rodacker and Jennifer Grohol host a screening of the 2004 film "Iron Jawed Angels," which tells the story of the women's suffrage movement in the 1910s. Read more about Iron Jawed Angels.
March 3, 2020
Iron Jawed Angels (Delano)
6:00 PM | DST 118
Professors Elizabeth Rodacker and Jennifer Grohol host a screening of the 2004 film "Iron Jawed Angels," which tells the story of the women's suffrage movement in the 1910s. Read more about Iron Jawed Angels.
March 10, 2020
Women and the Vote Discussion Panel
Canceled
This discussion on the role and history of women in politics features Mayor Karen Goh, professors Nicole Carrasco and Jeannie Kraybill, and BC LUPE Vice President Edith Mata. Read more about the Women and the Vote Discussion Panel.
March 12 - 13, 2020
Votes for Women
Canceled
A presentation of WHAM & BC Performing Arts. Read more about Votes for Women.
March 19, 2020
The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote
Postponed until further notice.
Distinguished Speaker Elaine Weiss shares from her book on the suffrage movement in Tennessee, the last state to ratify the 19th Amendment. Read more about the Distinguished Speaker Series presentation.
March 30, 2020
Easel Event: A Suffragette
Postponed until further notice.
BC students and their families were invited to paint a suffragette as part of Spring Fling Week. Postponed while campuses are closed.
March 2 - March 31, 2020
Women and the Vote 2020 Library Book Display
Grace Van Dyke Bird Library during library hours
BC Librarian Faith Bradham curated a display of books about the women's suffrage movement. Read more about the library book display.
March 8, 2019
Reimagining Equality: Inclusive Communities in Post-Obama America
Presented by Anita Hill, moderated by Dr. Jack Hernandez, Director of the Levan Center, and Erin Miller, Professor of History.
March 12, 2019
Dolores: Rebel. Activist. Feminist. Mother.
Film & Panel Discussion
Film Introduced at 6:00 PM in the Levan Center and at Delano. The Discussion Panel with Dolores Huerta and several of her adult children begins in Levan Center at 7:30 PM with a live stream between BC and Delano. Moderated by Professors of History, Tina Mendoza and Olivia Garcia and Professor of Academic Development Michelle Hart. Read more about Dolores Film and Discussion.
March 14, 2019
Pop-Up Performance "A Tribute to the #MeToo/TimesUp Movement & a Celebration of Women"
1:15 PM 2:15 PM | Campus Center Main Stage
Professor Kimberly Chin's Theater B2A & B2B classes perform improvisational tributes in celebration of women and in solidarity with the #MeToo Movement.
Concessions sold prior to the performances. Adult Content & Language. Organized and sponsored by Bakersfield College Department of Performing Arts and Professor Kim Chin.
March 19, 2019
Easel Event: Featuring the art of Frida Kahlo
You are invited to the Spring Fling Easel Event focusing on Women's History Month with a painting of Frida Kahlo brought to you by the Office of Student Life in collaboration with Brush & Blush Easel Events.
March 22, 2019
Mexican American Women and Historical Preservation
As part of the Distinguished Speaker Series, Dr. Lydia Otero will focus on her book La Calle: Spatial Conflicts and Urban Renewal in a Southwestern City and highlight the efforts of Mexican American Women who launched separate historical projects in the latter half of the twentieth century in Tucson, Arizona and whose activism spanned more than three decades.
April 5, 2019
Lady Leaders: Local Political Leaders Explain Their Rise & Triumph
Leading, Central Valley Republican Strategist, Cathy Abernathy takes the stage with leading Central Valley Democrats & Women's March organizers Kimberly Kirchmer & Jessica Flores to discuss what drew them to activism, how they pursued political agendas, what challenges they faced, and how they've triumphed. In these often-divisive times, Abernathy, Kirchmer, and Flores three of the most influential women on opposing sides offer their insights to the audience on how to engage in and pursue political activism. They will also take questions and comments from the audience.
March 1-24, 2019
"Local & Wide-Spread Female Activism" Display
Grace Van Dyke Bird Library
On Display the Month of March on the Main Floor, titles from the library that focus on female activists in California, and specifically Kern County, as well as touch on the broader theme of the history of female activism in the United States. Display by Reference Librarian, Faith Bradham. Also visit Bakersfield College Libguides Women's History Month for more resources on women in history.
March 8, 2018
Reimagining Equality: Inclusive Communities in Post-Obama America
Presented by Anita Hill, moderated by Dr. Jack Hernandez, Director of the Levan Center, and Erin Miller, Professor of History. This presentation contained inspiration for us to redouble our efforts and think new about how we address questions of equity, including sexual harassment and assault, gender and racial economic gaps, and leadership disparities.
March 12, 2018
Film: Dolores: Rebel. Activist. Feminist. Mother.
The audience viewed the film followed by a Discussion Panel with Dolores Huerta and several of her adult children. Moderated by Professors of History, Tina Mendoza (Taft College) and Olivia Garcia (Bakersfield College).
March 19, 2018
Paint Night: Featuring the art of Frida Kahlo
Students, staff and community members congregated to celebrate Women's History month with the Spring Fling Easel Event with a painting of Frida Kahlo. This was sponsored by the Office of Student Life in collaboration with Brush & Blush Easel Events.
March 22,2018
Mexican American Women and Historical Preservation
As part of the Distinguished Speaker Series, Dr. Lydia Otero highlighted the efforts of Mexican American Women who launched separate historical projects in the latter half of the twentieth century in Tucson, Arizona and whose activism spanned more than three decades. She focused on her book La Calle: Spatial Conflicts and Urban Renewal in a Southwestern City.
April 5, 2018
Political Activism: Panel and Discussion
Leading, Central Valley Republican Strategist, Cathy Abernathy took the stage with leading Central Valley Democrats & Women's March organizers Kimberly Kirchmer & Jessica Flores to discuss what drew them to activism, how they pursued political agendas, what challenges they faced, and how they've triumphed. In these often-divisive times, Abernathy, Kirchmer, and Flores, three of the most influential women on opposing sides, offered their insights to the audience on how to engage in and pursue political activism. They also took questions and comments from the audience. Moderator: Erin Miller, Professor of History
March 1st-24, 2018
Political Activism in Kern County Display
On Display the Month of March on the Main Floor, titles from the library that focus on female activists in California, and specifically Kern County, as well as touch on the broader theme of the history of female activism in the United States. Display by Reference Librarian, Faith Bradham.
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