OHIO Southern hosts screening of Trailblazing Women in Ohio Politics

WOUB Public Media is partnering with Ohio University Southern to celebrate Women’s History Month with a screening of "Trailblazing Women in Ohio Politics" on March 28. 

A panel discussion with Portsmouth Vice Mayor Lyvette Barnes-Mosley and Lawrence County Commissioner DeAnna Holliday, moderated by Ohio University Southern Interim Dean Dr. Deborah Marinski, will follow the screening.

The hour-long documentary film was produced by WBGU and examines the achievements of Democratic and Republican women who have broken electoral barriers in Ohio. Greeted with skepticism by voters beginning in the 1960s, each trailblazer overcame obstacles and sometimes hostility to get elected. Featured trailblazers include the first woman Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, the first African American woman lieutenant governor in all 50 states, and the longest-serving woman in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Your education and talent will get you a seat at the table. It’s your character that will keep you there,” said Barnes-Mosley. “Be open and honest and lead by example and shut out negativity.”

The screening and panel discussion will take place Thursday, March 28, at 5:30 p.m. in Ohio University Southern’s Riffe Rotunda. The event is free and open to the public.