Students paint flowers to honor women’s history
April 6, 2022
When we think of beautiful things, we often think
of flowers—roses, tulips, poppies and more. The
flower that is considered one of the most beautiful
on Earth, the lotus flower, has a unique life cycle
unlike any other.
Only capable of blooming from mud, it emerges
itself in pond water at night and resurfaces in
the morning to bathe in sunlight. Many Eastern
cultures view the lotus as a symbol of strength and
rebirth.
Because of its symbolism, the lotus flower was
painted on canvases Wednesday to commemorate
Women’s History Month.
Hosted by the Cultural Diversity Council and
Hawk-Art “therapy, the event allowed students,
faculty, staff and the community to honor women
by painting pink lotuses.
Despite the rough weather, the CDC and Student
Affairs Liaison, Pamela Jackson, were pleased with
the turnout.
Jackson believes ULM should have a place for
creativity to bloom and that these events serve as
perfect opportunities.
Diamond Green, president of the CDC, believes
the event was a great opportunity to celebrate
Women’s History Month, especially women at
ULM. Valerie Fields, for example, was present
at the event and has made history as ULM’s first
female vice president.
“This was the first time the Cultural Diversity
Council partnered up with Hawk-Art Therapy to
host an event, and we plan to make this annual,”
Green said.
Latricia Simmons, the administrative coordinator
for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,
feels strongly that Hawk-Art “therapy is important
because it allows the painter to destress in a
healthy way.
“It’s positive and promotes inclusivity,” Simmons
said. “ Cultural Diversity Council did a great job
with this event, and there should be more events
like this in the future.”
Erick Burton, the founding president and current
advisor of the CDC, thinks the lotus is a perfect
symbol for Women’s History Month.
“Women’s History Month is important to me
because my grandmother is one of the strongest
people I’ve known,” Burton said. “She raised me
and showed me women can handle anything.
Women are needed. They are very important to this
world and are leaders.”
The CDC and Hawk-Art “therapy will host another
painting session on April 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the
Terrace.