Danai Gurira, who plays the fierce and fearless Michonne on "The Walking Dead," joined a group of equally impressive women from around the world, including our state and country's former first lady, at the International Women's Forum's Hall of Fame gala, held recently at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta.
Gurira introduced IWF International Hall of Fame honoree Gale Anne Hurd, known as "The First Lady of Sci-Fi" for her long and impressive career in film and television. Her many credits include producing and co-writing "The Terminator," and working on a slew of projects including "Aliens," "The Abyss," "The Ghost and the Darkness" and "Dante's Peak."
More recently, Hurd has served as executive producer for “The Walking Dead” and a consulting producer for the popular spinoff “The Talking Dead.” She will serve as producer for the new “Walking Dead” companion series airing next year.
“I was looking for a role model,” Gurira said. “I am honored to call her my boss.”
The two used their time at the microphone to urge prominent women from around the world to maintain a focus on the girls kidnapped by the militant terrorist group Boko Haram.
“Given the power and influence of the women in this room, I know we can change the world,” said Hurd, who read a harrowing excerpt from a BBC interview with girls who had escaped their kidnappers. “We cannot forget these girls.”
Gala honorees included former Georgia and U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter, co-founder of the Carter Center, where she chairs the Mental Health Task Force. She was given the 2014 IWF Leading Light Award for her decades of advocacy work, particularly her accomplishments on behalf of the mentally ill.
“We’ve been trying to overcome the stigma,” Carter said. “The brain is just like any other organ in the body. We can treat it. We still have a long way to go.”
She saluted progress made in the arena of mental health, noting that people who might have faced institutionalization in decades past are now able to lead productive and meaningful lives in the community. But the struggle is not over, she said.
“We still have so much work to do,” Carter said. “Too many people who have mental health issues won’t go for help.”
Carter noted that her devotion to the cause has roots in her husband's campaign for governor. During former President Jimmy Carter's travels throughout the state, she said, they often met with people in need of help for loved ones with mental illness. During her remarks, Rosalynn Carter did not mention her grandson, state Sen. Jason Carter, who ran for his granddad's old job this fall. On Tuesday, Gov. Nathan Deal retained the position.
The IWF's 2014 World Leadership Conference and Gala committee leaders included co-chairs Marsha Sampson Johnson and Julia Emmons; president Annette Cone-Skelton; gala chair Pat Upshaw-Monteith and fundraising chair Shirley Mitchell. Marilyn Johnson served as emcee. Sein Chew is 2014-15 president of the IWF.
