GILLETTE, Wyo. — Some resilient, persistent women changemakers have been labeled “dangerous,” according to a documentary series that the Campbell County Public Library will present.
The Campbell County Public Library will hold the event, with producer Janet Fitch, at 6 p.m. June 16, along with Wyoming Humanities and League of Women Voters Campbell County. They will show the series’ pilot episode, “Women of the West,” at the library, located at 2101 S. 4-J Road, Gillette.
The “Most Dangerous Women” community education series presents the little-known stories of women changemakers who were and are still often labeled dangerous, yet whose resilient persistence continues to be essential in creating positive change, a library event announcement said. A moderated question-and-answer session will follow.
“A major goal of the series is to rediscover/reclaim and share stories of historic and contemporary women who challenge the status quo, for the common good,” Fitch said.
For that reason, anyone who’s interested in telling a brief story of their favorite “dangerous women” from their own family, community or region can share it at the event, the announcement said. The series also aims to build community through dialogue among diverse audiences with differing opinions.
The “Women of the West” episode begins in Wyoming, the announcement said. In 1869, 50 years before the ratification of the 19th Amendment, the territory recognized women’s right to vote and to hold elected office, the release said. When Wyoming became a state in 1890, women’s rights were maintained. Charles Burritt’s 1889 Constitutional Convention declaration underscores the state’s undeterred commitment to women’s suffrage.
Wyoming, “The Equality State,” retains its identity today, the announcement said. Women’s actions and hopes for the future continue to contribute to the state’s ability to manage change. The film explores this unique legacy through interviews with Wyoming legislators, University of Wyoming faculty and students, and community, business and civic leaders who reflect on the “scrappy,” independent women they know who have been shaped by and are as rugged as Wyoming’s land.
Fitch wants her films to help people engage in critical thinking, take action in their communities and have non-polarizing, solution-seeking, civil dialogue around the issues of our times, according to the announcement. She has an undergraduate degree in communications and philosophy from Alverno College and a master’s degree in journalism from University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
Upcoming library events also include the following:
- 4 p.m. June 8, Campbell County Public Library Wyoming Room: Special Meeting, Collection Development Policy
- 4:30 p.m. June 21, Campbell County Public Library Board Room: Voucher Approval Meeting
- 4:30 p.m. June 26, Campbell County Public Library Wyoming Room: Regular Meeting. The board decided May 22 that Campbell County commissioners won’t need to attend the June 26 meeting since there aren’t discussion items that warrant commissioners’ participation.
