Every year the Cliff Dwellers (a private arts club in Chicago) invites girls from nearby public high schools and their teachers to join them for a special lunch to celebrate International Women’s Day. Last year the keynote speaker for the event was Toni Preckwinkle, one of the two African American women in the upcoming run-off election for Chicago mayor. This year, the keynote speaker is…me.
Learn more about the Cliff Dwellers Club at their site.
Can I fill those shoes? Not likely. But I’ll have help. The theme for Friday’s event is “Telling Our Stories,” and The Cliff Dwellers have already ordered copies of my book Writing Out Loud to give as a gift to each high school girl in attendance. That is my favorite part of this whole shindig: I’ll be able to talk one-on-one with each and every teenager as they come up to have me sign their copy. Something tells me they’ll enjoy meeting Whitney, too.
I need to polish off notes for my talk now. How about I leave you with the press release – it says it all, including that the event is sold out. Sorry! But happy.
Media Contact:
Eve Moran (312) 720-5803
Email: evemoran128@gmail.comAttention: Assignment Editors and Producers – Important opportunity
International Women’s Day ProgramOn March 8 (12 -2 p.m.), Beth Finke (NPR commentator, author, teacher: who also happens to be blind) will deliver the Keynote address. Further, artists talks will be presented by the distinguished artists currently on exhibit at the Club: Debra Hand (sculptor), and Barbara Karant, (photographer). Finally, Michelle Duster (writer, speaker educator) will speak on the impactful life of her great-grandmother, Ida B. Wells, as we celebrate the recent street naming, Ida B. Wells Drive, in her honor.
Since 2012, The Cliff Dwellers has been celebrating International Women’s Day in a very special way. Students and teachers from nearby high schools (Chicago Tech, Jones, and Muchin) are invited to a lunch program featuring inspiring speakers. They sit among women (and men) of different backgrounds and work experiences to share personal stories. The interaction makes it an uplifting event for all participants.
Acclaimed Soprano Kimberly Jones is also scheduled to perform.
The event is Sold-Out.
Press is invited.Background
The Cliff Dwellers is a haven for artists and arts lovers. Founded in 1907 (as the Attic Club), it was re-named The Cliff Dwellers and incorporated in 1909. The Cliff Dwellers is a private club and its members are either professionally engaged in literature, painting, music, architecture, sculpture, or one of the allied arts, or embrace and support the fine arts and the performing arts. See www.cliff-chicago.org
200 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60604
312-922-808
What an honor! You go, Girl!!
It truly is. A great honor. Thanks, as always, for your encouragement, Sue.
Congratulations Beth!! That is great news and I’m sure you’ll knock their socks off.
If you remember, say hi to Kim Joines for me, she is terrific!
Will do. Say hello to Kim, I mean. Oh, and knock their socks off, too, I hope!
The kids are in for a treat! 🙂
Let us know which media covers the event, so we can follow and share the links.
Ha! Not sure any media will cover this, but I’ll let you know…
Well done You. I have been fortunate in my adventures to come in contact with some wonderful people and dogs. You are topping the list. I’ll explain to Harper😊
That is a very high compliment, Larry. Thank you! And good luck trying to explain to Harper…
I’m sure that the school kids will be impressed by you. Congratulations!
I’m not so sure. Friends who are raising teenage girls say they are not easily impressed! Thanks for your vote of confidence, though.
Wonderful! Cliff Dwellers made a great selection. Would love to hear a recording of your presentation.
Hmmm. Haven’t heard that anyone will be recording it, but if they do (and if it goes well) I’ll let you know.
Keynote speaker! Speak about your discrimination, your determination and perseverance! You are a role model! And everyone has a story – listen and respect that story.
Excellent advice there, especially about discrimination. Funny, I’d never thought of it as discrimination,but that is exactly what it was when I was fired from my job after lowing my sight. Plus, my stories of life before the ADA will serve as a history lesson. Especially appreciate your line about everyone having a story, I will make sure to include that. After all, the theme is “Telling Our Stories.” Thanks, Mare.
Wowzers!
I know, right?
Congratulations! What an honor! Ida B Wells granddaughter, too?!! Can’t wait to hear all about it. But, don’t run for Mayor, I don’t think Mike could handle it! 😉
Aha. Mike would make a great campaign manager, doncha think? But don’t you worry,. one look at my sordid past and voters would run the other way.
Congratulations, this is wonderful news…
Thanks, Heidi. I think it is, too. A little nervous this morning, though…I want to do a good job!
Another accolade. So proud to know you.
What a coincidence. So proud to you, too, fellow memoir teacher.
Kudos to Cliff Dwellers. Their keynote speaker – simply the best. Can’t wait to hear about your exchange with students.
That’s the part I am looking forward to the most. I have so much to learn from them.
Yeah!! Thinking of you today, you are in the best of company and they are the lucky ones …congratulations!
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What an amazing event and experience for all who attended, I am sure!
Your story is one which travels through so much change medically, psychologically, technologically and socially!
You and Whitney (and her predecessors) have helped change the perception of being blind for many hundreds in all phases of their lives.
Oh, how kind you are. Thank you. The first part of this comment makes me feel a bit old, though — ha!
[…] the back story: After hearing the presentation I gave for the International Women’s Day celebration at Chicago’s Cliff Dwellers Club last March, Richard Reader, the perfectly-named creator and […]
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