“The Feminist Fight Forward: Lessons from 50 Years of Ms.” event at the Skirball Museum was on Sunday, October 29, 2023 to celebrate the new book, 50 Years of Ms. I wanted to share about it today in honor of Museum Store Sunday.
I absolutely love the Skirball Museum at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles! It’s not just a museum; it’s a vibrant celebration of Jewish heritage and its profound connection to the American experience. Since its establishment in 1996, the museum has been a source of inspiration for me, offering a captivating journey through time with its extensive collection of artifacts, artworks, and interactive exhibits. What sets it apart is its dynamic approach to storytelling – it doesn’t just showcase history; it invites you to actively engage with it. Every visit feels like an adventure, uncovering the rich tapestry of Jewish history and its influence on the diverse cultural landscape of America. The Skirball Museum is not just a place to admire art; it’s a space that fosters understanding, appreciation, and a genuine sense of community.
About the Program: The Feminist Fight Forward
Gender equity is rooted in the Jewish cultural traditions of pursuing justice and upholding freedom for all people. Join the Skirball Cultural Center and Feminist Majority Foundation as we honor Ms. magazine’s enduring commitment to feminism with the release of its new anthology, 50 Years of Ms. This daylong event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and conversations with artists, poets, scholars, political leaders, and others as we examine the evolution and future of women’s rights. Details about the daylong symposium, including session descriptions and speaker bios are available here.
Welcome and Opening Keynote
Dr. Michele Bratcher Goodwin, Executive Producer, Ms. Studios
Dolores Huerta, labor and civil rights activist
Katherine Spillar, Executive Editor, Ms., and Executive Director, Feminist Majority Foundation
Breakout Session 1—Enshrining Our Rights in the US Constitution
Dr. Michele Bratcher Goodwin, Executive Producer, Ms. Studios
Brad Sears, Executive Director, The Williams Institute, UCLA
Esta Soler, President, Futures Without Violence
Katherine Spillar, Executive Editor, Ms., and Executive Director, Feminist Majority Foundation (moderator)
Breakout Session 2—Reproductive Rights in the Fight for Freedom
Rabbi Sari Laufer, Stephen Wise Temple
Michele Pred, conceptual artist and activist
Carmen Rios, Consulting Digital Editor, Ms., and feminist superstar (moderator)
Sophia Yen, MD; Co-Founder, Pandia Health; and Clinical Associate Professor, Stanford University
Breakout Session 3—Changing the World for Women
Crystal Bayat, Afghan social activist and human rights advocate
Renee Montagne, Contributor, Ms., and Special Correspondent and Host, NPR News (moderator)
Rayka Zehtabchi, Iranian American Academy Award–winning filmmaker, Period: End of Sentence
Closing Keynote
Dr. Michele Bratcher Goodwin, Executive Producer, Ms. Studios
Elaine Brown, Former Chairwoman, Black Panther Party
For the Ms. Magazine book launch, I was part of the event at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena:
Kathy Spillar and Ms. Magazine received an award at the Take The Lead Conference on Women’s Equality Day August 27, 2023. We heard MILCK and Marina Arsenijevic perform.
We also celebrated our new books in New York City and at the Global Women’s Rights Awards in Los Angeles.
One of the standout feminist exhibits at the Skirball Museum was undoubtedly the tribute to the iconic Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, often affectionately known as “Notorious RBG.” This exhibit provided a compelling exploration of Justice Ginsburg’s life, career, and impact on gender equality. From her groundbreaking legal work to her ascent to the Supreme Court, visitors were immersed in the story of a trailblazer who tirelessly fought for women’s rights. The exhibit beautifully captured the essence of her legacy, showcasing the challenges she faced and the milestones she achieved in the pursuit of a more just and equal society. It was a poignant retrospective that celebrated the enduring influence of a remarkable figure in the history of feminism. I wrote about the Notorius RBG exhibit for The Female Quotient.
On Museum Store Sunday, I am grateful for the Skirball Museum and its unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful cultural conversations. This museum has not only been a custodian of our shared heritage but also a dynamic platform for critical discussions. This Thanksgiving weekend, let’s extend our thanks to the Skirball for their ongoing work. Their exhibit honoring Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as well as the all-day event dedicated to “50 Years of Ms.” magazine are shining examples of the museum’s dedication to impactful exhibits and important issues. Let’s celebrate not only the past but also the enduring legacy of the Skirball’s contributions to our community and the wider world.
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