U.S. Embassy Celebrates Women’s History Month through Film

WINDHOEK, Mar. 2 – In honor of Women’s History Month, the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section is hosting a movie-and-discussion series on three Fridays in March. Movies are free and open to the public.

March 2, 2018 The Rosa Parks Story, This biopic tells the story of civil rights activist Rosa Parks from her days as a private-school student to her public battle against racism and segregation. As a secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Parks defends local children who have been victimized by racism. But when she is arrested after refusing to give up her bus seat for a white passenger, Parks inspires the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott.

March 9, 2018 Betty & Coretta, After their husbands’ tragic assassinations, two extraordinary women – Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Betty Shabazz, wife of Malcolm X – developed a unique friendship spanning three decades as they carried on the Civil Rights movement while supporting their families as single mothers. Through their strength and dignity, they became role models for millions of women.

March 16, 2018
Won’t Back Down, Two determined mothers, one a teacher, look to transform their children’s failing inner city school. Facing a powerful and entrenched bureaucracy, they risk everything to make a difference in the education and future of their children.
The programs will be taking place at the American Cultural Center on Independence Avenue, at the Sanlam Centre, Third Floor (3rd) in Windhoek. All screenings will start at 17:15. The public is requested to book seats in advance by emailing IRCWindhoek@state.gov.

Women’s History Month in the United States grew out of a weeklong celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history and society. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. Six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March. International Women’s Day is also commemorated worldwide on March 8, and celebrates the economic, political, and social achievements of women. – NDN Staffer