During Women’s History Month, the Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is making a special effort to showcase materials and promote events related to women’s history. These events provide a platform for open dialogue, learning, and reflection, by fostering a sense of community, and shared appreciation for women’s achievements. One upcoming event, Wednesday, March 20, celebrates the specific achievements of Academy Award-winning designer Ruth E. Carter.
Though you may not know her by name, you’ve certainly seen her work in movies such as Amistad (1998), Coming 2 America (2021), and most notably Black Panther (2018) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). We’ll speak with her as she explores the passion that inspires her pieces and what it means to be a history-making woman in the film industry.
“The Library is offering a variety of programs this month to honor and amplify women’s achievements and contributions throughout history,” said event & program coordinator, Ali Lanthrum. “This event with Ruth E. Carter will be especially meaningful for fans of fashion, design, and the Avengers franchise.”
The Aurora Public Library District joins more than 200 Illinois libraries to be host to Ruth E. Carter, the only two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer. Carter is the first Black person to win Best Costume Design, the first designer to win this award twice and the first Black woman to win multiple Oscars in any category. Carter’s ability to develop an authentic story through costume and character made her one of the most sought-after and renowned costume designers today. Ruth E. Carter will be joined in conversation with Aisha Harris, co-host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour and author of Wannabe: Reckonings with the Pop Culture That Raised Me. We are excited to bring Carter’s innovative spirit and Harris’ witty pop-culture insight to our community during Women’s History Month.
Ruth E. Carter: Interweaving Tradition and Imagination Through Costume Design will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. For more information or to register, visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/9792769 or call 630-264-4117. This event is part of Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a collaborative effort featuring virtual events with bestselling and award-winning authors and esteemed speakers.
By celebrating the accomplishments of women, APLD seeks to inspire future generations, particularly young girls, to believe in their own potential and strive to achieve their dreams. Sign up for this virtual event, check out an item from our displays, or view our current exhibit, Picturing Women Inventors, to help shine a light on the crucial role women have played and continue to play in shaping our world. Happy Women’s History Month!
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.