AAUW Crystal Lake Area Branch to host Ada Cheng's 'Our Words, Our Truths' Feb. 4
The American Association of University Women Crystal Lake Area Branch invites the public to a Feb. 4 program featuring Dr. Ada Cheng who will weave various stories to highlight the intricate impact of microaggression, gender-based violence, and anti-Asian racism.
The "Our Words, Our Truths" program is presented as part of Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Bureau which invites Illinois authors, artists and educators to share their expertise and enthusiasm with people throughout the state, enabling local nonprofit organizations to present free-admission cultural programs to their communities.
An educator-turned artist, storyteller, and creator, Cheng has utilized storytelling to illustrate structural inequities, raise critical awareness, and build intimate communities. Committed to amplifying and uplifting marginalized voices, she has created numerous storytelling platforms for BIPOC and LGBTQIA community members to tell difficult and vulnerable stories. She has been a speaker for Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau since 2019. She is currently a Visiting Associate Professor with Asian American Studies at Northwestern University as well as an adjunct faculty at Dominican University. Her interests encompass academia, storytelling/performance, and advocacy. To learn more about Cheng, visit renegadeadacheng.com.
The free program will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at The Community Foundation for McHenry County, 33 E. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake.
The public is welcome to attend the branch's social time and business meeting beginning at 10 a.m.
AAUW's mission is to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. The Crystal Lake Branch, organized in 1957, holds monthly membership meetings from September through May, which include programs on topics such as women's issues, history, education, international relations, arts, and public policy. Membership includes women from throughout McHenry County. Visit crystallake-il.aauw.net.
Illinois Humanities, the Illinois affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that foster reflection, spark conversation, build community, and strengthen civic engagement. We provide free, high-quality humanities experiences throughout Illinois, particularly for communities of color, individuals living on low incomes, counties and towns in rural areas, small arts and cultural organizations, and communities highly impacted by mass incarceration. Founded in 1974, Illinois Humanities is supported by state, federal, and private funds. Stay connected with Illinois Humanities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn @ILHumanities.