Group 14

Molly Woerner

The panel on media justice was led by Jasmine and Arethra from the Women Of Color For Systemic Change. Their lively personalitys balance well with the inspiring and empowering panel guests. All six members, Harmony, Lola, Denae, Sharon, Jackie, and Star experienced thel interplay of social injustice and the media. Their personal stories and encounters were riveting. Star’s personal story of human trafficking was moving. For she described her journey as one that allows her to share with others for those who cannot speak. At a young age music spoke to her and moved her. She sang the song “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” as one that “bite her”. When she sang I felt chills. This to me was an example of how music changes people’s lives and speaks to them to build community.

Group 14

Molly Woerner

The introduction of the Women Who Rock Unconference started with a light opening from various authors of its production. Explained as “her story”, Michelle and Sonnet proposed the question “why are women of color dis included from the story of popular music?” The other members of the introduction answered the question in a way by saying that it is now the job of the community to document and archive the stories of women to create participatory media. An interesting aspect of the introduction was the somewhat casual mood. This set the stage for a welcoming community forum which seems to be the purpose of the Women Who Rock. By taking the project to the people, a strong “female ethos” is built. This idea empowered the future forum and panel. Stepping away from the regular academic setting was refreshing. Cultivating a space of an open forum takes away of constrictions and constructs which is ultimately what keeps women out of the traditional stories of media.