Stony Brook Kicks Off Women’s History Month: Honoring the Past and Building the Future

"If the door doesn't open, I will knock. If they ignore the knock, I will build my own door. And if they still try to block me, I will become the hallway."

With those words, keynote speaker Chanel Lopez - deputy director of LGBTQ+ Affairs for the New York State Executive Chamber under Governor Kathy Hochul - challenged Stony Brook University and its communities to rethink who belongs in spaces of power as the campus launched its Women's History Month celebration with the Gender Equity March and Resource Fair on March 4.

In a program held before the march, speakers from the Division of Diversity, Intercultural and Community Engagement(DICE) and the Division of Student Affairsframed Women's History Month as a celebration, but more importantly, a call to action.

"It is not only a celebration of history, but a call to recognize the women whose stories have been silenced, whose labor has been undervalued, and whose leadership has transformed our world, despite persistent barriers," said Donna-Lee Mahabeer, director of DICE.

Centering intersectional identities and the ongoing fight for gender equity, the event brought together campus leaders, student organizers and community members to honor the labor of women and to highlight the critical work that remains for justice for these underrepresented groups.

Dean of Students Riccardo McClendon said the university has a responsibility to continue expanding spaces and amplifying voices for marginalized communities.

"The dedication shown by our students, faculty and staff has strengthened our campus and broadened the ways we honor the diverse experiences that shape our community," he said.

After the remarks, audience members and university leadership joined the Spirit of Stony Brook marching band and color guard to march through campus holding hand-painted posters advocating for women and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Signs read "Trans rights are human rights," "The future is female," "Women in STEM" and other phrases celebrating identity, solidarity and activism.

"Gender equity, more than ever, is extremely important, not just here at Stony Brook, not even just in New York, but globally," said Kathryn McCombs, Student Community Development coordinator. "When we advance equity for one community, we are advancing equity for all."

For Lopez, who is the first transgender woman of color in her position, moments like the march are reminders of why representation in leadership is so crucial.

"When I show up in government spaces, I'm not showing up for myself," she said. "I'm showing up for the young trans person who doesn't yet see their future. I'm showing up for the student who feels underestimated. I'm showing up for every person who has been told they are too much, too different or not the right fit."

After the march, participants were invited to the Student Activities Center Ballroom for a resource fair that featured many university and local groups dedicated to marginalized communities. Tables lined the room offering activities and support.

Campus offices such as the Center for Prevention and Outreachoffered menstrual products and safe sex kits, and the Student Support Teamhanded out mental health resources like tea bags and pamphlets.

Student organizations also tabled. Girls Who Codeand Girl Upparticipated alongside community civic activist groups like the League of Women Voters, the Central American Refugee Center and the National Organization for Women.

The day of festivities was organized through a collaboration between DICE, LGBTQ* Services and Student Affairs. These groups regularly partner on campus to support and inspire initiatives centered around inclusion.

"I want to give a heartfelt shout-out to my DICE team for your consistent support and guidance," Rosanna Cuttone, LGBTQ* Center coordinator, said. "Thank you for standing behind this vision and helping us create a meaningful celebration for our community."

Lopez stressed the importance of community and leadership within universities to mold and encourage a new generation of leaders.

"Don't shrink yourself to fit into a room that was built to be small; expand that room," she said.

Women's History Month will continue through March, inviting the Stony Brook community to celebrate identity and equality.

Other Women's History Month Eventsat Stony Brook University include:

• Black Women in Physics Panel: Tuesday, March 10, 5 pm
• AfroQuisqueya: Celebrando Rizos y Resist: Tuesday, March 10, 7 pm
• Book Talk: Diamond and Juba - The Raucous World of 19th-Century Challenge Dancing: Wednesday, March 25, 12:30 pm
• Her Impact: Women Driving Change: Wednesday, March 25, 6:30 pm
• Not All SHEroes Wear Capes: Friday, March 27, 11 am

-Lily Miller