Women's History Month 2011
Theme: Our History is Our Strength

March 17, 2011

Rev. Abraham L. Woods, Jr. Community Meeting Room

Catherine Burks Brooks, a Freedom Rider who bravely fought for Civil Rights, shared her experiences about being a part of the Movement. She offered a woman's perspective on what it was like to be involved in the Freedom Rides and throughout the Movement.

Brooks was chosen to speak in part because of her connection to the Freedom Rides, in which nonviolent protestors rode buses into the Deep South to protest unfair legislation supporting segregation. 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides, and Brooks played a pivotal role in making sure the Freedom Rides did not end in

Birmingham in May 2961, but instead, that they continued throughout the year.

"Catherine's stories of going head-to-head with Bull Connor and her forthright way of telling them are inspiring and not to be missed," said BCRI Archivist Laura Anderson.

Americans first began celebrating "Women's History Week" in Sonoma County, California in 1978. By 1981, a national Women's History Week was established from a joint Congressional resolution. Six years later, Congress expanded the celebration to continue throughout the entire month of March.  

BCRI has proudly celebrated Women's History Month with special programs, forums and conferences for the last 15 years.