kicking off the 2013 WGHS using an imagined work

"Coffy," a 1973 film starring Pam Grier, traces the experiences of a female vigilante. This motion picture was released in the period known as the blaxploitation period and thus, is fitting as a 2013 WGHS kick-off event. But was this movie and era entirely exploitative? If so, for whom and why, are questions worth exploring. Movie Screening Showtime: 5 pm Where: Activities and Recreation Center (aka the ARC) University of Illinois, 201 East Peabody Drive, Champaign, IL 61820, (217) 333-3806, Free Pizza served. Come see this show before Dr. Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of slain civil rights activist Medger Evers, speaks at 7:30 pm in Foellinger Great Hall of the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Her talk is part of the University's Sesquicentennial of the Emancipation Proclamation Events. There will also be performances by the University of Illinois Black Choir, Dr. Ollie Watts Davis, conductor; the Women’s Glee Club, Dr. Andrea Solyea, conductor; Dr. Casey Robards, piano; and the University of Illinois Wind Symphony.

Dakota Alcantara-Camacho, WGHS presenter

Here is a sneak peep at the critical spoken word skills of Dakota Alcantara-Camacho, one of the 2013 WGHS presenters. Here, he is speaking at a Seattle youth event.He touched on many issues including identity. "We all speak 'ocean'," he says, asking, "In which one are you drowning?"

deadline to book room at discount rate approaching

The WGHS Executive Committee just learned that the deadline to book a hotel room at a discounted rate ends February 7. If you plan to stay at the I-Hotel and Conference Center, site of the 2013 WGHS, please book soon! Call the hotel directly at 217-819-5000 to make reservations. Thirty-five rooms have been blocked at a special nightly rate of $130. The code is AWS. You may also book online. The rate begins Wednesday, Feb. 27 and ends Monday, March 4. Thanks.

Official flier for the 2013 WGHS

Finally, the official flier for this year's Women's and Gender History Symposium. Up top is the front; below is the back. The WGHS 2013 Executive Committee owes huge thanks to University of Illinois Doctoral Candidate Arnau Roig Mora for a terrific job on this poster.