Contributing Writer
CHASS Multicultural Association of Students (CHASS-MAS) and Women Empowering Society Together (W.E.S.T.), co-sponsored by the Women’s Center presented the annual event “Unforgotten Women” on Tuesday, March 21st at 7:00pm in the Washington Sankofa Room. This year’s theme was “Finally Written Into History,” and the program honored five different women for their accomplishments. This year the program was also featured as a part of NC State’s 1st annual Howl for Diversity Week. The program featured performances by CHASS-MAS, W.E.S.T., Alpha Nu Omega Sorority and Sisters In Sports. CHASS-MAS’ President Lindsee Ratliff-Bowens a junior majoring in Communications, and Candace Speller a sophomore majoring in Political Science launched the program by performing “Phenomenal Woman,” the popular poem by Maya Angelou.
The first performance by CHASS-MAS honored Myriam Merlet, a political activist who focused on promoting the image of women and on rape culture. Merlet passed away in the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and will continue to be honored for her sensitivity for the woman, the Haitian community and her amazing accomplishments. Destiny Harris, a senior in Biological Sciences, performed a commentary to display the impact Merlet had on the world. Next, CHASS-MAS also honored Mindy Sopher, who is a part of NC State’s faculty and has done amazing contributions to the campus community. In the past, Sopher worked in Greek Life, is currently an academic advisor and has successfully beat cancer four times since she’s been at the university.
The second performance was by Alpha Nu Omega Sorority honoring Holly Robinson Peete, a successful actress, author, mother and singer. She was honored for her great contributions and winning an NAACP image award for her work by Brittany Smith, a senior in Psychology and Jessica Wilson, a junior in Elementary Education. Following, Sisters in Sports honored Gail Devers, Olympic track and field champion in a great performance by Brittany Stachan, a senior in Industrial Engineeering and Shelby Phillips, a sophomore in Sociology. W.E.S.T. then honored Sarah Vaughan, a jazz singer that was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in a performance of her song “Whatever Lola Wants” by junior in Industrial Engineering Amira Chowyuk, junior in Health Nina Scott-Emuakpor and senior in Textile Engineering, Marika Walker.
The Women’s Center, CHASS-MAS and W.E.S.T. made their remarks and refreshments were served to all that attended. Overall, the program was a great success and the organization’s definitely met their goal of informing the campus community of these extraordinary women.
