The history lives on: Georgia Women of Achievement
For the past two weeks, women of achievement have been showcased by Georgia College & State University at the Museum and Archives of Georgia Education. They are pioneers, the women of Georgia who have impacted our history.
Inside the museum, a room with a wide structure presents the life stories and photographs of the women in Georgia who have made a difference. All of the women have been deceased at least 10 years and are clearly identified with, or native to, Georgia.
The achievements displayed in this exhibit describe women who have made exceptional contributions to their fields of interest, and who have encouraged others to use their talents. These women were passionate about life and radiated immense strength and courage.
One such woman, Sallie Ellis Davis, was a teacher who deeply cared about her students and challenged them to succeed. Lamonica Sanford of GC&SU nominated Davis into Georgia Women of Achievement.
“[Davis] worked at the Eddy School in Milledgeville for a half-century, teaching and serving as principal,” said Sanford. “The Eddy School served African-American children during the first half of the 1900s. Despite the physical and economic restrictions faced by the school throughout its existence, she possessed the fortitude to offer her students a larger view of themselves and instilled within them a sense of pride.”
Viola Ross Napier was a pioneer who paved the way for women in politics. Among other things, she was the first woman in Georgia to ever hold an elected office, the first woman lawyer to ever argue before the Georgia Court of Appeals or the Georgia Supreme Court and the author of bills for the health, safety and education of underprivileged children. Napier saw a problem and aimed to fix it.
These women saw injustices, opportunities and a polished future. They used the skills and desires within their hearts to make a difference. They faced obstacles, but hope and passion led them on.
Carson McCullers had her share of disappointment. When she was 15, she suffered an extreme case of Rheumatic fever, which stole her dream of being a musician, but not steal her love for the arts. She decided to write and became an author and published essayist. “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter,” and “Reflections in a Golden Eye” were two of the first successful pieces she created. Being plagued with bad health for the rest of her life, she often wrote about people who struggled with various disabilities. Using her life and her compassion for the downcast, she offers healing and restoration to the soul.
Although most women honored in the exhibit were the first to travel down a male- dominated path in Georgia, not all fit this description. Most of the women are remembered for their commitment, perseverance and dedication to life.
“The Women of Achievement exhibit was interesting and educational,” said student Nida Hogan. “I think it’s very important to celebrate the achievements of women in the past who have made a difference in today’s society.”
Some GC&SU students missed out on this opportunity,” said Freshman Holly Chandler. “I didn’t know anything about it.”
The exhibit in the museum did not display the latest inductees of 2003. Go to http://www.gawomen.org to find out more about their lives and their accomplishments.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Oct 22 2004. Filed under Other.
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