30th annual Women's Equality Day program set for August 25; honorees announced

<p>Vivian V. Conley, pictured here, was a civil rights activist in Muncie, Indiana, at the forefront of many community issues relating to education, civil, and elderly rights. A ceremony recognizing honorees for the Coalition of Women’s Organizations 2022 Women's Equality Day celebration is scheduled for August 28, 2023, with each honoree recieving a Vivian V. Conley Certificate. (WaTasha Barnes Griffin)</p>

Vivian V. Conley, pictured here, was a civil rights activist in Muncie, Indiana, at the forefront of many community issues relating to education, civil, and elderly rights. A ceremony recognizing honorees for the Coalition of Women’s Organizations 2022 Women's Equality Day celebration is scheduled for August 28, 2023, with each honoree recieving a Vivian V. Conley Certificate. (WaTasha Barnes Griffin)

The Coalition of Women’s Organizations is set to host the 30th annual Women’s Equality Day program August 25, 2022 at 5 p.m. in the Muncie City Hall auditorium. This event is free to the public.

The event serves to honor the achievements of women who fought for the right to vote and the successes of community leaders of the present. Six local women who have made significant contributions to the broader community are set to be honored at the August 25 event.

Honorees for the Coalition of Women’s Organizations 2022 Women's Equality Day celebration include:

  • Suzanne Clem-Distinction in Public Health and Community Engagement
  • Krista Garrett-Distinction in Protection of Children
  • Dr. Courtney Jarrett- Distinction in Civic Engagement and Inclusion
  • LaTasha Mardis-Distinction in Community Service 
  • Janet Stratton-Distinction in Arts and Culture
  • Bria Zolman-Distinction in Education

Not only that, but the event is scheduled to pay special tribute to Vivian V. Conley, a civil rights activist in Muncie at the forefront of many community issues relating to education, civil, and elderly rights.

In her 60s, Conley enrolled at Ball State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in gerontology from Ball State. She was the founder of the Non-Traditional Student Association and was credited with directing more than 150 young people and adults into college programs. 

Vivian was an activist until her death in 1993 at the age of 71. Then-Indiana Governor Evan Bayh named her a Sagamore of the Wabash tribe.

The six women honored at the Equality Day program are set to be awarded a Vivian V. Conley Recognition Certificate.

Rhonda Ward, Director of Diversity for Muncie Community Schools, and a 2021 Conley award recipient, is scheduled to host the event.

The Coalition of Women's Organizaions is made up of the local branches of the American Association of University Women, League of Women Voters, National Organization for Women, Indiana Women of Achievement, Friends of Conley and the Coalition of 100 Black Women.

Women’s Equality Day celebrates the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. 2022 is the 102nd anniversary of the passage of said amendment.

For more information, contact WaTasha Barnes Griffin or Rep. Sue Errington via email at womensequalitydaymuncie@gmail.com.

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