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Kentucky State University highlighted the contributions of women in history at its annual Women’s History Month Assembly on Mar. 02. 

Dr. Karen M.R. Townsend, president and CEO of KTownsend Consulting, provided the Assembly address focusing on the theme, “Honoring our Past. Empowering our Future.” 

“Women’s History Month is an opportunity to recognize the achievements and accomplishments of women from all walks of life while also inspiring future generations to continue the legacy of resilience and progress,” Townsend exclaimed.   

Townsend spoke of the need to empower the current generation of young women by giving them permission to be, to do, and to speak.   

“Time is out for us to sit in the seat of judgment as it relates to our younger sisters,” she said. “Instead we need to create safe spaces for them to connect with us. We need to invite them to share their hopes, dreams, fears, and concerns because far too many of them look at us and think that we have it all together. And I am here to tell you that I don’t have it all together.”  

Townsend presented a live assignment to the young women in the audience asking, “How can we empower you to be the women you strive to be in the future?”   

Several #BredWomen made their way to the stage to respond.  

For Kennedy Maddox, the answer was simple. “Just be there for us emotionally.”   

Aniya Chambers said that “being a mentor and setting expectations and standards,” were important to her. “Hold me accountable and be transparent about what it’s like truly growing and going through life.” 

Aliyah Yates also shared saying that, “having somebody that listens and hears you out will go a long way for young women.”   

“These young women just gave us an assignment,” Townsend responded. “The question is, ‘will you accept it?”  

Interim President Ronald A. Johnson closed the Assembly by asking audience members to consider how Women’s History Month will be celebrated 10 to 20 years from now. “Are you doing what you just thought about now?”

Johnson added that “Women’s History Month is a call to action. The action is to be in service to yourself, your family, and your community in support of the continuous recognition of the importance of Women’s History Month.”