Emory & Henry College on March 16 announced the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Helen Matthews Lewis Women’s & Gender Center at 1 p.m. The event occurred at the Damer House on the Emory campus.
Named in honor of the esteemed Appalachian scholar, teacher, and activist Helen Matthews Lewis, the Center embodies her long legacy of advocacy and dedication to uplifting marginalized communities across Southwest Virginia. Theresa L. Burriss, Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement and Economic Development at the College, expressed her enthusiasm for honoring Lewis’s legacy through the establishment of the Women’s and Gender Center: “I am thrilled to honor Helen’s fierce Appalachian legacy at Emory & Henry by naming the new Women’s & Gender Center after her. We aim to continue her work through a variety of enrichment opportunities for our students and to work collaboratively with faculty and staff dedicated to gender equality and advancement.”
Faculty, Staff and Community Members at Emory & Henry’s Ribbon Cutting at the Helen Matthew’s Lewis Women’s & Gender Center on Saturday, March 16.
Helen Matthews Lewis, often referred to as “The Grandmother” of Appalachian studies, passed away on Sept. 4, 2022, leaving behind a profound impact on the region’s social and environmental justice movements. As a trailblazer in the field, Lewis played a pivotal role in shaping a positive narrative of Appalachia and fostering community resilience amidst adversity. Her tireless efforts in recording oral histories, advocating for coal miners’ rights, and promoting cultural appreciation have left an indelible mark on generations to come.
Dr. Patricia Beaver, Professor Emerita in Anthropology and Former Director of the Center of Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University. Co-editor of Helen Matthews Lewis’ memoir “Living Social Justice in Appalachia” and illustrator of “The Nature of Things, Poems of Flora and Protest”
The establishment of the Helen Matthews Lewis Women’s and Gender Center represents a significant milestone in Emory & Henry College’s ongoing commitment to social justice and inclusive excellence. Through its programs, initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, the Center will continue to honor Lewis’s legacy by championing gender equality and fostering a more just and equitable society.
For more information about the Women’s and Gender Center and other upcoming Women’s History Month events, please visit www.ehc.edu/womenshistorymonth.
