Aubrey Graham/FOR THE POST Julie Stout, an Ohio University student, examines the artwork within the Object D'art gallery. Yesterday afternoon, the Object D'art, a traveling juried art exhibit based in a trailer drawn by a Dodge Dart, made a stop outside Seigfried Hall, the last destination of its national tour.

Those who filled the Front Room of Baker University Center yesterday evening sat in awed silence as a heavenly voice traveled through the air. No, it wasn't the latest Lauryn Hill song coming across the speakers -it was the voice of Ohio University sophomore Christian Joy Maiden, a performer at "Impressions of a Woman."

"Impressions of a Woman" was the first of three events scheduled to promote Black Herstory Month. The event featured poetry, dramatic interpretations and songs all inspired by strong women.

Black Herstory Month is presented by the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority. The month is dedicated to informing others of the effect of the black American woman in society, said Lateefah Stanford, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho.

"A lot of people devalue women," Stanford said. "This month helps raise awareness of women's importance. We are the mothers. We are the ones who raise leaders - great leaders."

The Young Black and Talented, a black theatre troop on OU's campus, and Pure United Real Expression, a poetry group, were part of the production. OU senior and YBT member Jerrica DuBois said the month helps bring a sense of camaraderie because women come out and support one another.

OU sophomore RoShawn Tapps attended last night's event as well as last year's performance. Tapps said any month, not only October, is a good month to educate others of the positive expressions of black womanhood.

"Some people don't know their own heritage," Tapps said. "It's a good way to learn more and a way of getting people together."

Stanford said Sigma Gamma Rho's celebration of Black Herstory Month is necessary to the community.

"Sororities often get a bad rep. It's nice to show someone's doing something to socially and culturally enlighten the campus," Stanford said.

Black Herstory Month's next event, "Preparing Sisters for Success," is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the Lindley Cultural Arts Center Multi-Purpose Room. The purpose is to prepare African-American women for success in the business world by demonstrating job interview etiquette.

The final event of Black Herstory Month is Oct. 20 in the Lindley Cultural Arts Center Lounge at 7 p.m. The program will focus on the female and male relations in the African-American community.

"We need to show the power of black women," DuBois said. "We can do anything if we put our mind to it."