RICHLAND, Wash. – In celebration of Women’s History Month and in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, WSU Tri‑Cities will host writer and editor Mayumi Tsutakawa, as part of a featured presentation by Humanities Washington, as well as a series of events regarding women’s issues and history.
Tsutakawa is an independent writer and curator who has focused on Asian/Pacific American history and arts. During her presentation, individuals will learn about pioneering photographer Imogen Cunningham, black American jazz musician Ruby Bishop, Chinese American artist Priscilla Chong Jue, leftist journalist Anna Louise Strong and Native American linguist Vi Hilbert. Drawing on her experience as an activist and writer, Tsutakawa will explore how these women inspired others and changed society.
“We are excited to bring Mayumi Tsutakawa to WSU Tri‑Cities as she lends a fascinating perspective and extensive knowledge of female leaders throughout history and their impact on the world,” said Tracey Hanshew, WSU Tri‑Cities clinical assistant professor of history. “In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, which granted women the right to vote, her presentation and ensuing discussion will help to shed light on a variety of important topics and the importance of the woman’s voice and art throughout history.”
Hanshew said the other on‑campus women’s history events, including a discussion on the challenges facing professional women, a hands‑on experience examining artifacts important to women’s history, as well as a discussion and examination on the history of abortion, will provide opportunities to learn more about the impact of women throughout history in a global context.
“We are excited to bring so many engaging topics to the table for our students and our greater Tri‑Cities community,” she said. “These are important discussions that should occur at all levels and provide some great perspectives from all sides of these topics.”
March 10 | Working in the 21st Century: Challenges Facing Professional Women
2 p.m.–3 p.m. in CIC 120 (open to students, faculty and staff)
Janet Peters, WSU Tri‑Cities clinical assistant professor of psychology, will lead a discussion on the challenges that professional women face in the work place surrounding policies, systemic issues, selection bias, disparities in negotiating, hurdles to promotion and work‑life balance.
March 11 | Treasures in Your Attic: A Time Capsule Experience for Women’s History Month
Noon–1 p.m. in Floyd Atrium (open to students, faculty and staff)
Tracey Hanshew, WSU Tri‑Cities clinical assistant professor of history, and Patricia Wilde, WSU Tri‑Cities assistant professor of English, will lead a brown‑bag lunch discussion, exploring archived boxes containing resources and artifacts informational to women’s history.
March 23 | MOSAIC Hot Topi(x) series: Abortion: A History of Contentious Public Policy
Noon–2 p.m. in MOSAIC Center for Student Inclusion – Floyd 140 (open to students, faculty and staff)
Tracey Hanshew, WSU Tri‑Cities clinical assistant professor of history, will lead a lecture on the history of abortion in the U.S., which will be followed by group civil discussions. The intent of the discussion is not to debate the issue, but rather to hear thoughts from all sides in order to learn more about the issue, as well as how to engage and practice thoughtful and civil discourse.
March 26 | Women’s history spring speaker Mayumi Tsutakawa: Washington’s Undiscovered Feminists
5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. in the WSU Tri‑Cities East Auditorium (free and open to the public)
