Speaking Truth to Power in Challenging Times
When I was a little girl, adults sometimes dismissed my voice. When I was a young woman I was told to ‘be nice’ and ‘smile’. Oftentimes other people in positions of power tried to convince me what I was experiencing was not real– even though I knew it was.
Now, more than ever before, I remind my friends, children and family that speaking up and out, and that speaking truth (from my experience) is as important as listening to other people’s perspective. Whatever the case, it is never acceptable to promote people, parents, politicians, or posses whose aim is to suppress. oppress or make invisible another human or segment of the population either through force, finances or purposeful distortion of factual evidence.
M. Joy Rose 03/12/26
Refusing to Disappear/ Refusing to be Disappeared
Its Black History Month! Even though the ‘Black History Matters’ mural was removed by state crews on August 29, 2025 and the on year ago that the Smithsonian Institute was mandated to review and change exhibits deemed to be promoting “divisive, race-centered ideology” by the current political administration.
Facts are not ideology. Black history is real. The only people who can tell the story of the families, experiences, histories and realities of Black Americans are the ones whose lives were impacted. We are fortunate in St Petersburg, FL that Carter G. Woodson African American Museum is on mark for big plans for future development and we are encouraged and lifted by their successes. Carter Woodson championed Black History month because of his singular devotion to “Negro Life and Culture,” and the formation of an organization whose goal was to make Black history accessible to an audience beyond college campuses and academic texts. His passion resulted in the formation of Negro History Week in 1926, which eventually came be what we now know as ‘Black History Month‘.
ORDER TICKETS NOW: Through Women’s Eyes – Film Festival
This spring, MoM will be visible in partnership with REEL EQUALS International Film Festival Spotlight on Diverse Voices: Reel Equals International Film Festival Shines in Sarasota: ThroughWomensEyes.org
2026 REEL EQUALS: Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival
REEL EQUALS 27th Annual Festival In-theater screenings, Sarasota, Florida March 6-8 Virtual screenings March 5-10 Featuring 25 films from 11 countries!
March 5 – 10 (in person and streaming)
Buy tickets: HERE
Opening Night Celebration, Friday, March 6 th
College of Art + Design auditorium.
Reel Equals 2026 festival themes include:
An entertaining opening night film that uses comedy to address a universal topic, human anxiety, opening a door to a mental health issue everyone knows about.
The need for diverse stories; female filmmakers from 12 countries reveal topics ranging from stand-up comedy to elephants in India, motherhood to the war in Ukraine. We examine how media portrayals shape beliefs and opportunities; films reflect and reveal how influential media is on creating the ways we talk, think, and act and underscore the need for diverse voices in visual media. Changemakers; narratives that challenge stereotypes and elevate inspiring lives are central to the festival.
Feb/March Press Release
MoM will be at Localtopia this Saturday, Feb 14, 2026. Our location at The Factory will be closed during the day and reopening 5-9PM For Second Saturday Art Walk – Karaoke is for lovers. Come sing with us!
Download our most recent Press Release
Press Release
HOLD THE DATE– MoM Conference 2026 is coming March 27-29th
EVERYONE MUST PRE-REGISTER –SPONSOR A STUDENT/ARTIST
Donations optional but you must let us know you’re attending!
Your PAID registration free includes breakfast & lunch Friday and Saturday, light snacks in the afternoon, and access to all panels, workshop, and the keynote address. Those registering with no payment are welcome to attend and BYO..