New College of Florida is celebrating Women’s History Month through various events, publications and remembrances. First-year student Gwen Roberts felt more could be done to highlight the influential women of color who are often overlooked.
“Having women of color represented in academia is something that should be better highlighted,” said Roberts, “and that kind of information is not always readily available to people. I figured that people would want to see this, and learn more about it.”
Roberts decided to present the idea of a collaborative zine, or magazine, focused on women of color in academia to Generation Action members on campus. Generation Action is a club in support of Planned Parenthood, and it is using Gwen’s zine idea as a way to celebrate Women’s History Month.
“I want to get as much traction as possible because I do want it to be a collaborative effort,” said Roberts. She also expressed her hope that students will use the zine as a learning experience, and “see other people and the kind of things they have to say along with the kind of knowledge they have.”
Roberts is approaching the zine from the viewpoint of women of color in areas of concentrations New College offers, and she will allocate a portion of the zine to women in STEM fields.
“I am always happy to see women of color being represented,” said Roberts, “especially in higher education and academic fields, because it makes me feel like I have something to aspire to.”
Like others at New College, Roberts recognizes the importance of increased awareness of the history and accomplishments of women of color. This project is still in the beginning stages of the creative process. However, with the help of Generation Action, Roberts hopes to publish the zine by early April.
Roberts will be accepting submissions to the zine until Wednesday, March 27, and she encourages everyone to contribute. To highlight a woman of color in academia, send your submission to [email protected]. The submission should include: the full name of the woman of color, dates of birth and death (if applicable), occupation, her contribution to her field, and if possible, a small picture.
— LilyAnne Rodriguez is an intern in the Communications and Marketing.