On November 8th, the African American Studies Initiative at Prairie View A&M University will be hosting “When and Where I Enter at 35: A Symposium in Honor of Paula Giddings.” This will be an opportunity to acknowledge the importance and influence of this groundbreaking book that chronicles the history of black women’s activism. For three and a half decades, it has served as a resource for anyone wanting to learn more about black women’s role in American political history. When and Where I Enter’s impact on black women and girls seeking to learn more about their own history has been invaluable and this event will bring together leading black feminist scholars to discuss the origins of black women’s studies and the intellectual legacy of their work. There will be a morning panel discussion with Renita J. Weems, Elsa Barkley Brown and Cheryl Wall. It will also feature a poetry reading by Evie Shockley, who has credited When and Where I Enter as influential in her writing. There will also be a panel discussion between Professor Giddings and her most recent collaborators – Beverly Guy-Sheftall and Gloria Steinem. The day will be capped off with Giddings in conversation with President Ruth J. Simmons. This event is free and open to the public. Please share this information with anyone you believe might be interested in attending this event. Join the conversation online, tag us on all platforms @PVAMU and use #pvamuscholarsvoices.
