Women’s History, Still Being Written

Women's History, Still Being Written: Femme Fatale, Feminism, and Societal F*ckups

An artistic and academic discussion with a local poet, photographer, and professor on feminism, femme fatale, the centennial of the 19th Amendment, and the #MeToo movement.

In 1920 the 19th Amendment, granting American women the right to vote (known as women's suffrage), was ratified. When one reflects over the 100 years since, it is apparent women's history is still being written. In a time where #MeToo was necessary to bring sexual harassment and abuse to the forefront, where a women confident in her sexuality is seen as threat to men, and when advocating for rights carries a negative perception it is of benefit for our community to have a forthright discussion. One that is both artistic and academic in nature.

The agenda for the evening includes; hearing poetry from Leah Savant 'The Activist Artist', viewing works and hearing about the recapturing of femme fatale from photographer Christy Flaherty, and hearing a historic and sociological overview of the journey from the 19th Amendment to present day from Dr. Melencia Johnson (USC-Aiken). It will also include a discussion between the panel and the audience moderated by James Aaron Snow, within the beautiful Westobou Gallery in downtown Augusta.

*Light refreshments and hors d'oeuvre will be served.

Christy Flaherty (aka XINELAINE) has appreciated the feminine form through her camera lens for years. Self taught, her journey began with self portraiture as a means of exploration and empowerment. Her ongoing cinematic series, FEMME FATALE, celebrates women — their mystery, their nuanced sexuality, and the power that they hold.

Instagram: @xinelaine // Website: xinelaine.com

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Dr. Melencia Johnson, born in Lynchburg, Virginia, learned early on that she needed to leave home to learn more about the world. She graduated from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor's in Sociology with an emphasis is Criminal Justice before earning her M.A. in Sociology and Women's and Gender Studies and PhD in Sociology and Criminology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of South Carolina Aiken - teaching classes such as juvenile delinquency, queen studies:crime and justice, girls delinquency, deviant behavior, race class gender: crime and justice, and leadership study abroad.

Instagram & Twitter: @drmelmel

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Leah Savant, TheActivistArtist, is a national recording artist, poet, and corporate activist. Her most recent project, The Good Grief Project: Valediction & Salutation, is an immersive literary and musical experience that offers a safe space for listeners and readers alike to consider the devastating impact of loss and the grief as a gift. Themes considered in much of her work are mental illness, Women's experiences, the Black Experience, God and Purpose, and a brutal transparency concerning sexuality.

Instagram: @leahsavant // Website: ellesavvy8490.wixsite.com/theactivistartist

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James Aaron Snow awakens daily and demands of himself proof that he is a poet and combatant against injustice. He strongly believes in the power of words and has seen repeatedly that whether written, shared in conversation, or exchanged in discussion they have the ability to hurt or heal. He strives to be a wellspring and platform for the latter.

He is also a student at Augusta University, working on a Bachelor of Social Work.

Instagram, Twitter, Facebook: @jamesaaronsnow // Website: wordsof78.tumblr.com