Frenchtown, N.J., will be the gathering place for women celebrating women from 5 to 7 p.m. March 16, at the United Methodist Church on Third Street.
The community is invited to join author Jessica Rinker in the launch of her children’s biography of one of the most iconic figures of the women’s movement, Gloria Steinem.
From an unconventional childhood, to Smith College, to Ms. magazine, to the women’s liberation movement, to feminist icon – “Gloria Takes a Stand” brings to the page a spirited look at Gloria Steinem’s influential life, energizing a new generation of women to stand up and demand equal rights for all people.
Rather than host a traditional book launch, it was important to Rinker to celebrate the ongoing work of women who bring positive change to their lives and their communities.
“I want to celebrate my book, but I also want to celebrate the collective work of women. And bringing together a group of community leaders in what Gloria refers to as a talking circle to discuss how better to help or change their communities is my way to continue her teachings,” explains Rinker.
A diverse group of community leaders will join Rinker in a panel discussion and talking circle. The conversation will focus on how these women make change in their communities through the various facets of their lives – as mothers, daughters, professionals, artists and activists.
Participants are Caroline Hann and Barbara Cannell, founding members of META Theatre Company, which focuses on influencing social change through performance art; Krystal Sital, author of critically acclaimed memoir “Secrets We Kept: Three Women of Trinidad”; Nicole Valentine, committee person and secretary of the East Goshen Democrats and author of “The Time Traveler’s Theory Of Relativity”; and Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck, authors of “If These Stones Could Talk: African-American Presence in the Hopewell Valley, Sourland Mountains, and Surrounding Regions of New Jersey”; and Caroline Scutt, Community Impact director at United Way of Hunterdon County and co-owner of The Book Garden, which will be involved in the event.
The discussion will be preceded by a reading and followed by a book signing. Children can create a book cover that tells their story.
This is a free event; books will be available for purchase. Email
contact@bookgarden.biz or call 908-996-2022 for information.
