Listeners were captivated on Nov. 16 when Dr. Janann Sherman and Dr. Beverly Bond launched the 35
th year of Women of Achievement at a spirited conversation about writing women’s history. Jan received the Women of Achievement award for Vision in 2001 and Beverly received that same recognition in 2012.
With graceful guidance from moderator Dr. Gail Murray, Jan and Beverly talked at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library about where they look to find sources and data to tell women’s stories since official records and histories rarely capture that information, especially in earlier decades. Both have published books and essays on women, many from Memphis, most little-known before their work.
To help future historians, they said,
keep those boxes in the attic – letters, school records, diaries, scrapbooks, etc. – they urged. And write names of persons in photographs on the back of the photographs before it’s too late and no one knows names!
“Uncovering Women’s Stories: A Conversation with Beverly Bond and Janann Sherman” and reception begin a multi-part celebration of 35 years of work by Women of Achievement, Memphis’ signature program to celebrate women’s leadership and preserve and celebrate local women’s history.
Now is the time to nominate women for the 2019 awards. Anyone can nominate – refer to the categories and definitions of achievement on
the nomination form on the WA website.
Nominations must be postmarked or received via email or by hand by
January 15. Anyone can join WA and be part of the selections process for 2019.
The 2019 Selections Meeting for all members will be
February 2. For more information contact Deborah Clubb at dclubb@memphiswomen.org.
Women of Achievement leaders are working with Shelby County historian Jimmy Ogle on a special project to commemorate WA’s 35
th year and the city’s bicentennial. A women’s history trail, guide, app and enhanced website resources will be produced and unveiled in March 2019 during Women’s History Month.