The “Women’s HERstory Month” committee is so excited to have assembled another incredible month of inspiring stories and performances to celebrate Women’s History Month. For the 2021 WHM theme, we decided “Iron Butterflies” would be the inspiration for all shows. This was the symbol used by the Suffragists to show determination and strength. We realized it lent itself as a perfect metaphor to exemplify what we have all experienced in the year 2020. The quarantining, similar to the cocoon; then reinvention and regrowth, such as the transformation of the chrysalis to caterpillar; to vaccination and ultimate survival – the triumphant butterfly!

The Iron Butterfly! What a powerful image: the woman as fearless fighter for a cause; as defender of her rights–and everyone else’s; as protectress of the home and family from the scourges of vice, gambling and drunkenness; the conscience of society, demanding that power be tamed by justice, and the law be impartial and blind to every difference, including gender. But also ambition-driven competitor; independent striver for equality with her ex-Boss; inconveniently effective fact-finder; mistress of the last word…the list is endless. Come listen to poems focused on Herself, from every point of view and with more than one ax to grind!

And the Powow and Friends are as follows:

Paulette Demers Turco, Chris Bryant, Rebecca Robertson, Priscilla Turner Spada, Sandra Thaxter, Rhina P. Espaillat, Mary Kuck, Joanne Hogan,
Franny Osman, Peter Bryant, Maryann Frost Delaney, Anne Mulvey, Bobbi Flynn, Nancy B. Miller, Toni Treadway, Ann McCrea, Zara Raab