Clinton, M.D.–The Colony South Hotel played host to the 13th Annual Women’s Equality Day Luncheon. Many political figures were in attendance at this event including Steny Hoyer [D -MD 5th Congressional District], Senator Ben Cardin [D – Maryland] Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser [D], and others who helped bring women’s equality to the forefront.
Many topics were talking points for the luncheon. Some included celebrating the 95th anniversary of women’s suffrage that gave women the right to vote, the pay gap between men and women, and also celebrating the exciting times that women share as the United States looks forward to equality for all women.
The luncheon started with a networking contest to see which women could network the most effectively. The women that collected the most business cards won a day at the spa. After the final tally, the winning woman had collected 73 business cards.
Hoyer arrived at 11:30 a.m., and made the opening remarks about the occasion, citing numerous successful female ladies that were in the room at the time.
“This is always a wonderful event to be part of, in fact it keeps getting more and more wonderful every year. As more and more women in our state and in our district join us to celebrate the progress that has been made, but more importantly, the progress that needs to be made,” said Hoyer.
Hoyer spoke upon the progress the United States has made as a country, but that there is much more ground to cover before women of all races are equal to their male counterparts.
“Their [founding fathers] consciousness had not been raised, the Civil Rights Movement is essentially about raising consciousness, raising awareness about discrimination,” said Hoyer.
After Congressman Hoyer gave the back story to the occasion, he introduced Cardin, who thanked Hoyer for a wonderful introduction, and spoke mainly about the great leaders that Maryland currently possesses.
”I support Muriel Bowser, and the difficult job that she has. I also support Washington, DC having two Senators representing this city,” said Cardin.
The keynote speaker at this event was Bowser, who was greeted by warm applause from the audience.
“I am also the mayor of a lot of women in Washington, DC, and they indeed are doing big things for are city,” said Bowser.
The event had a warm-hearted feeling to it when Hoyer presented Bowser with a beautiful bouquet of flowers at the conclusion of her speech.
Contact Charlie Seifert at c.seifert@thebaynet.com
Please enjoy the event gallery provided byTheBayNet Photojournalist Ron Bailey
