Anniston, AL – In a celebration of International Women’s Day at The Jim and Shirley Justice Center in Anniston, Alabama, female leaders in the community were invited to join forces and amplify the message of equality and justice for women. The event not only brought together women from diverse backgrounds and political side, but also featured influential speakers, highlighted the colors symbolizing women’s history, and emphasized the importance of solidarity and activism.
The gathering commenced with a warm welcome from Shelia Gilbert, who shed light on the significance of International Women’s Day and the shared commitment to advocating for women’s rights as human rights. Gilbert stressed the need to celebrate the diversity of women and expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and collaboration within the community.
The event featured prominent speakers, including Women’s Rights Advocate Merika Coleman and the honored guest, Lilly Ledbetter. Senator Merika Coleman shared her inspiring journey, highlighting her dedication to public service and advocating for essential issues such as voting rights, activism, and community engagement.
Lilly Ledbetter, a trailblazer in the fight for equal pay, captivated the audience with her remarkable story of resilience and determination. She recounted her struggle for fair compensation, leading to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009. Ledbetter emphasized the importance of women activating their voices, votes, and financial resources to drive positive change.
Shelia Gilbert further added depth to the event by sharing the symbolism behind the colors of International Women’s Day. Purple, associated with justice and gender equality, reflected the spirit of the occasion, while green represented hope and white stood for patience and purity.
In her closing remarks, Senator Merika Coleman urged women to activate and be catalysts for positive change. She emphasized the power of collective strength, encouraging women to march forward in various forms—whether through physical marches, financial support, or active participation in the democratic process.
