American Association of University Women on Kaua‘i assumed roles of notable women in history during Women’s History Month celebration, recently. Dr. Kani Blackwell, who assumed the role of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman medical doctor in the United States,
American Association of University Women on Kaua‘i assumed roles of notable women in history during Women’s History Month celebration, recently.
Dr. Kani Blackwell, who assumed the role of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman medical doctor in the United States, said the children in the third grade at the Kapa‘a Elementary School sat in awe at the different portrayals in full costume taking place on that day, while the rain was pouring.
“I thought for sure one of our 10 women might not make it,” Blackwell said in an e-mail. “But we were all there, scattering like wet cats to our respective classes, two monologues assigned to each classroom. We were each greeted so warmly by the classroom teacher and the keiki that it made our adventure all worthwhile.”
Joining Blackwell, Janis Benn of the Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity assumed the role of Jerrie Cobb, a record-setting pilot who was the first woman to pass the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Astronaut Training program. JoAnne Georgi took on the role of Fanny Farmer, a cooking teacher and author.
Barbara McClintock, a Nobel Prize winning scientist in geneticism, was assumed by Faye Burson, and Jane Asher assumed the role of Julia Morgan, an American architect of more than 700 buildings.
Isabel Miller, arriving late because of the rain, assumed the role of Georgia O’Keefe, a famous artist noted for her paintings of flowers and landscapes. Holly Harris took on the role of Alice Paul, a women’s sufferage leader for women’s right to vote, and Anna Smithwick assumed the identity of Beatrix Potter, an English author best known for her children’s books, most notably “Peter Rabbit.”
Lenda Helser assumed the role of Sally Ride, a woman astronaut who became the first American woman to enter space, and Kay Koike assumed the role of Yoshiko Uchida, a writer who created a body of Japanese American literature for children.
Blackwell said the protrayals were so realistic, clarifications had to be provided when some of the students asked, “Are you really that person?”
AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research, states its website. It is a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches and 500 college and university partners.
