GATEWAY CDC CELEBRATES
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH BY PAT THORNTON On March 19, 2022 Gateway CDC held its second virtual Women’s History Month program. With full participation of all Mayors representing the three municipalities the CDC serves, two premiere residents of our Media Arts Lab, and a community engagement mental health specialist, this year’s theme of Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope was brought to life by our guests. I had the pleasure of moderating the panel. Mayors Petrella Robinson, Rocio-Treminio Lopez and Celina Benitez discussed how they have dealt with the COVID-19 Pandemic, and introduced supportive programs that have evolved since the advent of COVID-19; Sherri Lumpkin discussed how her program, Ragbaby Exchange uses doll making to inspire participants to embrace inner love for themselves, and build self-esteem; Geeta Raj discussed Global Sleepover’s partnership with the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, to create a print and digital version of the Junior Ranger Book about the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park (HART) in Auburn, New York; and Darlene Wood of DSW and Associates discussed the importance of addressing mental health concerns, and the need for communities of color to destigmatize counseling services and stop shaming those who seek counseling services. If viewers were expecting the usual “talking heads” pontificating and boasting about themselves, or repeating the usual comments you’ve heard repeatedly about living through this era, that is NOT what was delivered. THE LAB | 22