Play ‘For Colored Girls,’ Women of Legend and Merit Awards highlight Women’s History Month at TSU

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has events planned this month that fittingly celebrate women and their impact on society.

The Women of Legend and Merit Awards, featuring actress/producer Vivica A. Fox as speaker and entertainer Angela Winbush, is scheduled for March 21, and the play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf” is set for March 29-April 1.

First held in 2007, the WOLM awards is designed to bring awareness and raise funds in support of Tennessee State’s Women’s Center, which offers student-focused programming to empower individuals and student organizations.

The event also salutes women leaders in business and the community.

This year’s honorees are Dr. Stephanie Walker, Vanderbilt University/First lady Mt. Zion Baptist; Cheryl White Mason, Vanderbilt Law School; Teresa Phillips, TSU athletic director; Yvette Boyd, R.H. Boyd Publishing; and Vicki Yates; WTVF Nashville news anchor.

“The event seeks to expose the university’s female student population to positive role models, networking opportunities and resources to assist in their academic, personal and professional growth as women,” said Women’s Center coordinator Seanne Wilson.

Dr. Lawrence James, director of TSU’s version of the play “For Colored Girls,” said it’s similar to the original play that was written more than 40 years ago.

While he hopes that young women will be educated and empowered by the play’s message, he said it makes an “important statement in regard to issues related to all women.”

“The play deals with a number of subjects that are very relevant today: love relationships, abandonment, rape, abortion, sisterhood, among other issues,” said James, who is professor of theater and also theater coordinator.

Dr. Tracey Ford, vice president of student affairs at TSU, said she hopes there will be strong turnout for both events.

“This month we can pay homage to many of the unsung ‘sheroes,’” Ford said. “Events such as ‘For Colored Girls’ and the Women of Legend and Merit are celebratory and educational for the masses.”

The play will be in TSU’s Performing Arts Center Cox/Lewis Theater. Students with ID get in free; $10 for non-students.

For information about tickets and other questions about WOLM, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/womenscenter/legend.aspx.

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About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 25 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.