Montclair church presents ‘Women and Power: Advancing Justice’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — In honor of Women’s History Month, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Montclair is presenting a virtual celebration of the achievements of women of color, highlighting the way they are using their power to make positive change during these galvanizing times. The program is set for Sunday, March 21, from 7 to 8 p.m. via Zoom. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance by Saturday, March 20, at https://tinyurl.com/y9xn4sjy.

This year’s panelists include three dynamic women who are making their marks in local politics, union organizing and the youth movement — all in an effort to confront and undo systemic and institutional racism. The individual presentations as well as musical interludes will be followed by an open question-and-answer session moderated by UUCM congregant Norma Tassy, member of the Undoing Racism Team. 

The panelists include: NJ State Sen. Nia Gill, a Montclair resident who represents the 34th Legislative District; Montclair resident Milly Silva, executive vice president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the nation’s largest health care union; and Devany Kurtti, a senior at Montclair High School’s Center for Social Justice.

The program will feature Montclair’s Jessica Valiente, an internationally renowned flutist and educator specializing in Afro-Cuban and Latin styles, traditional global music, and jazz. She will be performing “Willow Weep for Me,” by Ann Ronell, accompanied by her daughter, Lisa Faulkner, on upright bass, and “Gaucho,” by Chiquinha Gonzaga, accompanied by her daughter, Daphne Faulkner, on cavaquinho.