Northwest Ohio Women's History Month Recognition

Floor Speech

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Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate Women's History Month by shining a spotlight on four remarkable women hailing from Ohio's 9th District in our Northwest Ohio region who have etched their names in the annals of history.

Growing up in a world where gender roles were rigidly defined, these women demonstrated a commitment to uplifting women and improving their communities within Northwestern Ohio and beyond.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, Mari Evans was a prominent African American poet, writer, and dramatist known for her association with the Black Arts Movement.

While she initially pursued fashion design at the University of Toledo, she ultimately decided to embark on a career in music, and then in writing.

Throughout the 1960's and 1970's, Evans gained recognition for her poetry, which often explored themes of race, identity, and social justice.

One of her most notable works is entitled ``I Am a Black Woman.'' This seminal piece encapsulates the essence of her poetic voice.

Evans' writing style was marked by its lyrical simplicity, direct themes, and its ability to capture the African American experience.

Outside of her literary endeavors, Evans was actively engaged in community service, advocating for prison reform and volunteering with organizations focused on social issues.

Her legacy endures through her powerful poetry, her commitment to social activism, and her impact on generations of readers and writers exploring the complexities of identity and experience.

Feminist icon Gloria Steinem was also born in Toledo, Ohio.

She sought to challenge the societal norms that constrained women's opportunities and perpetuated systemic injustice.

After graduating from Smith College, she honed her craft as a writer and developed a keen awareness of the pervasive gender bias within the media industry.

Determined to challenge these stereotypes, Steinem began to infuse her writing with feminist perspectives, shedding light on issues such as workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and the intersectionality of oppression.

In 1971, Steinem co-founded Ms. Magazine, a groundbreaking publication that quickly became a platform for feminist thought and activism.-

Through the magazine, Steinem and her colleagues tackled taboo subjects with courage and candor, sparking national conversations about women's rights and challenging the status quo.

Ms. Magazine provided a voice for marginalized women and served as a rallying point for the burgeoning feminist movement, inspiring many to join the fight for equality.

Steinem's activism extended far beyond the pages of the magazine, as she emerged a tireless advocate for women's rights on the national stage.

Her willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and challenge entrenched power structures cemented her status as a fearless leader and trailblazer.

Sheree Hovsepian, a luminary in the realm of contemporary art, bridges her Iranian heritage with her American upbringing to craft compelling reflections on identity and the human form.

Raised in northwestern Ohio after her family's immigration to the United States in 1976, Hovsepian skillfully intertwines the organic with the geometric, inviting viewers to embark on a profound journey of introspection and exploration.

Her adept fusion of materials--from fabric and paper to wood and string--imbues her creations with a palpable depth, earning her acclaim and placement in prestigious public museum collections such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Studio Museum in Harlem.

Recently celebrated at the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, Hovsepian's work continues to captivate audiences, serving as a reminder of the transformative power of art in evoking dialogue and understanding.

Beyond her creative endeavors, Hovsepian remains steadfast in her commitment to fostering the arts community, actively participating in various committees of cultural institutions and championing arts education and development initiatives.

Mildred Benson considered herself a newspaper reporter first and an author second.

An American journalist and writer known for her contributions to children's literature, she touched readers of The Toledo Blade and Toledo Times for seven decades.

As a pillar of the community, she penned a weekly column for the Blade until mere weeks before her death.

She wrote under a pseudonym for the Stratemeyer Syndicate, creating the adventurous personality of Nancy Drew in many of her early mysteries.

Inspiring millions of young American women, Ms. Benson's work on the famous series helped shape the character's iconic traits and adventurous spirit.

She leaves behind a significant legacy, both for the children whose love of reading she inspired and for readers of the Toledo Blade in her community.

During Women's History Month and all year round, it is important to recognize the strong and talented women who broke down barriers and shattered glass ceilings, alongside those who continue to do so today.

Today, I proudly honor Mari Evans, Gloria Steinem, Sheree Hovsepian, and Mildred Benson.

They are Pioneers whose remarkable contributions have not only enriched the tapestry of Northwest Ohio and the 9th District, but have also left an indelible imprint on the collective history of our Nation.

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