Women’s History Month – Q+As
March is Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month recognizes women who have made an impact in a wide range of areas, including research, medicine, law, art, culture, and more. International Women’s Day, which originated in New York in 1909 as National Women’s Day, is celebrated on March 8th. Women throughout history can serve as role models for women and girls who also have the power to make a substantial impact on their communities and the entire world.
Join the Downtown Alliance in making the celebration of women a priority this month. Please read the Q+As below about feminism, women of influence and more from these amazing women owned business owners in Downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Angela Tatum Malloy
Momma’s Village-Fayetteville
Mommasvillage.com
131 Hay Street (Suite 201) Fayetteville, NC 28301
Momma’s Village-Fayetteville is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide access to African-centered birth & breastfeeding support, postpartum care, parenting education and mental health resources for Black families in Fayetteville/Ft. Bragg and the surrounding Sandhills region.
What does feminism mean to you?
As a Black woman, I have two views on feminism. I see white feminism as an attempt to place women in their rightful positions in life to live out their purpose in life. I feel that Black feminism seeks to provide the protection that has not been provided for Black women in our country. One day I am hoping the two shall merge as one.
What woman inspires you and why?
Angela Davis because she demonstrates strength just by the mere mention of her name and by her very presence. She is and has always been unapologetically passionate and persistent in her fight for racial equity and that is my goal for the work that I do for Black families in our community. A very close second is Harriet Tubman. No explanation needed.😊
Are there any assumptions about women that you would like to change? And why?
There is an assumption that women need to be strong to achieve our goals. But, when we are able to be vulnerable is when we are able to allow others to help us achieve our vision. We were not designed to do “life” alone. It truly does take a village and everyone deserves a village to call their own.
Diane Parfitt
City Center Gallery & Books
citycentergallery.com
112 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28301
Owner Diane Parfitt and husband Hank opened City Center Gallery & Books in 2003. With a large selection of used books and beautiful local art, there is always something to discover here!
What does feminism mean to you?
Feminism to me means advocating for the equality of women. But it also means doing it for all people, not excluding people because of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, religious affiliation, ability , or sexual orientation. Equality has to mean equality for all people, not just your own particular group.
What woman inspires you and why?
Eleanor Roosevelt was a very vocal First Lady who advocated for the rights of African-Americans and for women’s rights. She was often criticized for some of her stances but she said, “Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.”
Are there any assumptions about women that you would like to change? And why?
That women can’t or shouldn’t do something. How many opportunities have women been denied because someone said that we can’t do that. What they really mean is we shouldn’t do that because that’s “men’s work.”
Molly Arnold
Rude Awakening coffee house
rudeawakening.net
223 Franklin St Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301
We opened in 1999 after buying the condemned building that had housed Brady’s Soda Shop and saving it from demolition. After a complete restoration of the building, we opened Rude and began our journey as coffee house owners.
White Trash & colorful accessories
shopwhitetrash.com
227 Hay St. Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301
Located in Historic Downtown Fayetteville since 2005, White Trash & colorful accessories brings you vintage finds and decor, the best gifts, greeting cards, fashion accessories, and artist creations. We’re all about words and many of our items reflect favorite sayings- jewelry, signs, mugs and cups, dishes, cards, and more say it with aplomb. We are always looking for those items that speak to our soul.
What does feminism mean to you?
An understanding that societal gender systems favor men and working for a balanced social, economic, and political equality for women.
What woman inspires you and why?
Sojourner Truth, the deliverer of one of the most famous abolitionist and women’s rights speeches in American history. Eleanor Roosevelt, used her voice before, during, and after being First Lady to speak about women’s equality.
Are there any assumptions about women that you would like to change? And why?
That women cannot rise simply by being great at what they do. This diminishes women and their achievements. Women sitting at the table of power are often viewed as tokens. They rather should be truthfully acknowledged as being the best qualified and bringing expertise to the table.
April Perton
Cooking4Fitness, LLC
cooking4fitness.com
130 Bow St.
Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301
Teaching people and families how to prepare healthy, delicious meals using the right tools. .Join our free dinners or attend our cooking classes. We now offer virtual family cooking presentations, Virtual Cook Schools and more.
What does feminism mean to you?
The definition of feminism is about changing the way that people see male and female rights (mainly female), and campaigning for equal ones. There are different types of feminism, one would need to define who they are and their beliefs, means working towards achieving global gender equality. Everyone is born equal and should have the same opportunities.
What woman inspires you and why?
My mother and all women in my life. My mom was the greatest influence on my life. She always tried to make sure I was always doing my best and doing what I wanted to do. She always wanted me to stay strong, stay independent, and not let anybody get in the way. The women in my life, starting with my first job, was all about equality. Therefore I learned to want a business that supports family and a woman’s strength.
Are there any assumptions about women that you would like to change? And why?
Women are more aggressive in the workforce. Would you say the same thing about an outspoken male colleague? If not, then it probably doesn’t apply. Women can be outspoken with the assumption of them being aggressive.
Sarah Lester
LATCH Breastfeeding and Postpartum Wellness Center
nclatch.com
154C Bow Street
Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301
The idea of LATCH was born when Sarah, a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), saw the need for better and more holistically-minded postpartum support through the families she worked with in her practice doing home visits. Formerly known as Naturally the Best Lactation Services, Sarah has served the Fayetteville community for over 5 years. As a previously hospital based nurse-midwife, Cinthya’s passion for postpartum wellness grew from her own experience and from watching women transition into motherhood.