Q&A With Rose McGee About the HeadScarf Story Circle

We asked Rose McGee to talk about what the Minnesota Humanities Center Headscarf Story Circle is. There are upcoming discussions and events in Minneapolis and Rochester.

Rose McGee, photo by Sarah Whiting for Minnesota Humanities Center

1) What is the mission of the headscarf program?

Headscarf Story Circle began shortly after we emerged from the pandemic — a time that now feels surreal and yet deeply etched in our bodies and memories. The health, emotional, and social impacts were devastating. National reports confirmed what many women already knew to be true. Women were disproportionately affected, carrying the weight as primary caregivers while also serving as the backbone of the healthcare and education workforce. When it was finally safe to gather in person, we felt called to create a space where women could rest, heal, and be seen. Since the program started, Headscarf Story Circle has included 440 women.

The program was inspired by the Headscarf TeaLit Society, which I founded more than 25 years ago. This program has since expanded to bring women together across cultures and lived experiences in new and powerful ways.  

photo by Sarah Whiting for Minnesota Humanities Center

photo by Sarah Whiting for Minnesota Humanities Center

2) What do people talk about?

Last year at a Headscarf Story Circle Gathering, an African American woman shared her experience with hospital-recommended wigs after she lost her hair to cancer. Instead of wearing the wigs, she resorted to wearing headscarves and has been doing so ever since. “They’re prettier than wigs,” she said.

In December, times were stressful — Jewish and Muslim women were in Headscarves together sharing stories of pain, fear, and lack of power. The women cried together. “Sitting here in this circle lets me know that we all share this common thread. We want safety. We want peace,” said one woman.

There is power in women gathering in spaces where they can connect safely. At each gathering, the women acknowledge the beauty that is visually present from headscarf tapestries that carry so much history, culture, fashion, and wellness.

Someone described it this way: “It’s like the United Nations, comprised of women from all over the world.”

Headscarf Story Circles have recently been held in Rochester and Saint Cloud.

photo by Sarah Whiting for Minnesota Humanities Center

Upcoming events

registration required for all

MHC and the comedy team at Danger Boat Productions spent late summer and most of fall traveling to communities across Minnesota. They’ve taken stories from each town and put them into a funny sketch comedy revue: Sketches of Minnesota.

This traveling program is designed to increase understanding and encourage conversations among people who might not know each other, or have differing viewpoints, by bringing neighbors together over a shared meal and improvisational comedy.

photo by Sarah Whiting for Minnesota Humanities Center

 

Anika Bowie shows how she ties a headscarf. Photo by Sarah Whiting for Minnesota Humanities Center

Sharon Day speaks at the Headscarf event. Photo by Sarah Whiting for Minnesota Humanities Center