STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Equal rights activist Lorie Honor, a Stapleton resident, said women have a lot to celebrate on International Women’s Day, despite the “current political climate.” This includes former President Joe Biden’s acknowledgment of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) “as the law of the land” on January 17, 2025.

That’s why she is one of the organizers — along with Phyllis Forman and Kimbra Eberly — of an event to mark International Women’s Day this Saturday at Hub17, located at 1773 Wave St. in Stapleton.

“Because people are so affected by what’s happening in the world, regardless of party, supporting women seems to be a partisan issue all of a sudden,” said Honor, who is co-founder of Staten Island Women Who March, and chief of staff for Vote Equality, a national organization whose mission is to bring awareness to gender equality.

“Women have been working hard for years to have the ERA ratification recognized. This event is a breather to have a piece of cake and say, ‘We did something good, something amazing, something that’s going to be long lasting for decades to come,” she added.

Said Eberly, co-owner of Hub17 and director of “The Art Vault,” “The ERA, initially proposed in 1923, sought to end the legal distinctions between men and women in terms of divorce, property, employment and secure equality. We have come a long way fighting for equal employment, education, gender equality, credit and reproductive rights. This day is important as it recognizes achievements of women throughout history in the United States and globally. It is a day to rally and build support for women’s rights, knowing we still have a way to go.”

In addition to commemorating the ratification of the national ERA, the passage of Proposition 1 — dubbed New York’s Equal Rights Amendment — in November, is also cause for celebration, Honor said.

Proposition 1 adds language to the state’s ERA amendment that would “prevent or dismantle discrimination” based on protected characteristics. In addition, it would prohibit anyone from “interfering, limiting or denying” the civil rights of anyone.

“This Women’s Day is especially important to me this year because of all the freedoms we have lost through this administration,” said Crystal Peguese Armstrong, a North Shore resident, women’s rights activist and yoga teacher from Be Yoga and Dance in Rosebank.

“It’s important that we as women stand together and support one another through these times. We also have to show the next generation how women can stand together no matter what comes our way,” added Armstrong, who will be leading the breathing and movement workshop at Saturday’s event.

The public is invited to celebrate

Saturday’s event, which is open the public, will include an artwork exhibition by female artists; a mental health and wellness workshop; books by female authors to swap; a breathing and movement workshop; and “craftivism” where attendees will have the opportunity to crochet and knit a square for a Staten Island International Women’s Day Flag, said Honor.

“I believe International Women’s Day is so important because the recognition creates value of our women, from our local communities to the world at large,” said Sifu Paula Wong of Shaolin Kung Fu Temple in Port Richmond, who will also be leading the breathing and movement workshop.

“Women are strong warriors for peace. Teaching people to be strong starts within the self. We need strong, smart, caring women to stand up and be seen by their families, friends and communities for a better future,” added Wong, who has been teaching kung fu on Staten Island since 1994.

Phyllis Forman will be performing with her band Queen Tipsy at the International Women’s Day event on Saturday.Courtesy of Phyllis Forman

Event Agenda

The event is free but organizers will ask for donations at the door to simply cover the cost of the event, Honor said.

The event will feature a pop-up photo exhibit by Nataki Hewling, founder of HERShot and the Hub 17 Gallery Exhibit of Women Artists for Women’s History Month. And Phyllis Forman will be performing with her band Queen Tipsy at the event.

Joan Cadell of indie band, Joan Cadell and the Midnight Choir, will take part in a Pub Choir Sing at Hub17 on Saturday.Courtesy of Joan Cadell

The event’s agenda includes:

12-5 p.m. – Open meet-and-greet and Craftivism: Crochet/knit a square for a Staten Island International Women’s Day Flag.

1-1:30 p.m. – Breath and Movement by Armstrong and Wong.

1:30-2:30 p.m. – Screening of RATIFIED: is a feature documentary about the 100-year struggle for constitutional gender equality.

2:30-3:15 p.m. “What’s a Girl to Do?” Panel discussion on mental health and wellness “in difficult times” with Dr. Lauriann Castrogiovanni & Dr. Simone Andrews.

3:30-4:30 p.m. Group SING!!!! Staten Island’s version of a “pub choir sing” in three part harmony with Jeannine Otis, Joan Cadell, Phyllis Forman. Additional singers include: Joan Moore and Hawley Hussey.

Cake and light refreshments will be served. The event will also include a postcards and activism table, free book exchange and female empowerment merchandise.

For more information, go to: www.onwavestreet.com

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