Democratic Women of Ashe honor Ruth Bader Ginsberg

WEST JEFFERSON — The Democratic Women of Ashe held their second annual gala and fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson.

The event honored the late United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Forty-six attendees enjoyed the delightful music of the Mountain Laurels, a delicious covered dish dinner, and an evening of fellowship. The event was attended by Frank Hughes, candidate for NC Senate, Ben Massey, candidate for NC House, and Tanya Robinson and Nancy Weaver, both candidates for Ashe County Commissioner. Many attendees added to the festivities by wearing white lace collars for which Justice Ginsberg is so fondly remembered in pop culture.

The highlight of the event was a presentation by Suzanne Reynolds, retired Dean and Professor of Law Emerita at Wake Forest University School of Law. Dean Reynolds was a personal friend and colleague of RBG (affectionately known as “The Notorious RBG”). Dean Reynolds shared insights form Justice Ginsberg’s career as a jurist and her significant accomplishments breaking barriers as a woman lawyer, and defending women’s rights, gender equality, civil liberties, and freedom of religion. Justice Ginsberg’s written opinions and especially her carefully crafted descents have provided the foundation for subsequent legislation and the ongoing movement for gender equality. Dean Reynolds also highlighted Justice Ginsberg’s love of opera and her advice to follow your own path and “leave tracks” as evidence that you have left the world a better place.

The evening closed with an invitation by Darlene Sekerak, President of the Democratic Women of Ashe, to carry forward the legacy left by Justice Ginsberg. The responsibility is on us to not only remember and honor RBG, but to continue her work and ruthlessly pursue equality. In the words of the former first lady, Michelle Obama, “Do Something”.