WHEELING — Towngate Theatre will again host the Women of Appalachia Project “Women Speak,” a presentation of story, poetry and song showcasing women artists from throughout the Appalachian region.

The historic Towngate Theatre is located at 2118 Market St, Wheeling. The event takes place from 1-3 p.m. May 20.

The performance will center around “Women Speak: Volume Eight,” a lavish mix of Appalachian female voices — northern, central, southern, Affrilachian, LGBTQ, those differently abled and with developmental differences, emerging and well established — every voice raised in tribute to Appalachian endurance, honor, courage, love of family, community and the land. Copies of the anthology will be available for sale during the event or can be purchased online at sheilanagigblog.com.

In 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a “War on Poverty” focused on Appalachia. Federal money was legislated to create social welfare programs but no job or education programs, which served only to protect Appalachians from starvation but deprived them of self-respect and hope. Women more often than not, fell into greater poverty and ill health due to death of partners and extremely inadequate medical care and nutrition during childbearing years.

Though much has changed over the years, “War on Poverty” photographs remain our nation’s visual definition of Appalachia, many of the images drawn from the poorest areas and people, which serves to perpetuate stereotype and marginalization.

The Women of Appalachia Project encourages participation from women of diverse backgrounds, ages and experiences to come together, share culture and experiences at arranged venues, embrace issues of marginalization and stereotype; creating a force, unified and non-violently confrontational, to show the whole women, beyond superficial factors often used to judge her.

“The success of this organization is based on the work of every single woman who does, has or will someday take part,” said founder/executive director Kari Gunter-Seymour, “whether as a participant, volunteer, partner or supporter. We are a thriving network, a sisterhood in every sense of the word, working toward the same goal — to lift up Appalachia and showcase it in all its magnificent glory. No need for extreme acts, protest signs or marches. Our work speaks for itself.

“We are so pleased to be returning to the beautiful Towngate Theatre.”

For more information go to womenofappalachia.com or visit WOAP on Facebook at facebook.com/WomenofAppalachia. For questions, email womenofappalachia@gmail.com.