Portrayal of black women is event focus

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock will host a panel discussion and luncheon as a complement to the museum’s latest exhibit focusing on the muted voices of women in the fields of politics, the arts and social justice.

The exhibit — “Women Without Words,” which opened on March 7 — explores the ways in which black American women have been publicly presented in various media and invites visitors to consider what museum labels tell visitors and how people’s perceptions change the way they see a piece.

The panel discussion and luncheon, which is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m., will be today at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, 501 W. Ninth St., Little Rock, just north of Interstate 630.

The panel is made up of Denise Donnell, Human Rights Campaign state director; Terri Hollingsworth, county clerk of Pulaski County; and Crystal C. Mercer, artist and activist and recently named as executive director of Local First Arkansas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and supporting an alliance of locally owned, independent businesses. Jamee McAdoo will be the moderator.

Admission is free and lunch will be served. Reservations are required by calling (501) 683-3617.

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center website is www. mosaictemplarscenter.com and the phone number is (501) 683-3593.