Juntos somos fuertes…
- Dr. Richard L. Biffle, III
- Mar 10, 2018
- 2 min read
International Women’s Day Celebration
On Thursday, March 8, a wonderful and engaging “happening” occurred at HTHSCV related to celebrating International Women’s Day. I use the word “happening” because the experiences and feelings expressed and felt during the morning caused me to pause and think about “community happenings/gatherings” back in the day. It was described as a “walk-out” by students, faculty, staff and administrators – a time to “stop, look and listen” to the voices of women, and men, reflecting on the importance of celebrating the lives and contributions of women – past, present and future.
As the community proceeded outside to the amphitheater area and lawn, which is an amazing “setting” for such a “happening,” we were greeted by a beautiful song welcoming all. This reminded me, and perhaps others, of the importance of such “greetings” during these moments --- be they of African, Indio, Asian, First Nation, European, Aboriginal, or other origins and the critical importance of such gatherings where thoughts and ideas are shared. Once again, I was reminded of conversations related to Mother Earth – whose wisdom and knowledge guides our spiritual well-being and discoveries on the life-journey.
There were many powerful and inspiring voices by women whose insights were delivered in a proud and dignified manner as they celebrated women and men who are unified in making the world a better, more respectful, inclusive and safer place by seeking a deeper and more collaborative meaning of sisterhood and brotherhood. It was gratifying seeing women from different generations designing a “mosaic of opportunity and hopefulness” as they addressed the continuing challenges and issues facing women in our country and the world today - the collective sense of working at being part of the solution, instead of being part of the problem.
The morning was a delightful and diverse presentation of dance and song, poetry, personal and historical stories, and commentary that affirmed the richness and depth of our human experiences and knowledge that “echoed” throughout the venue and hillside. Once again seeing students engaged, respectful and responsive was tremendous; the HTHSCV spirit of “aloha” and “ohana” is beautiful and awe-inspiring. Congratulations to all – the speakers, presenters, musicians and singers, and the “community.”
We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us – sisters and brothers – remembering that together we are strong – juntos somos fuertes!
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