WOMENWOMEN ALIVE!ALIVE! A LEGACY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

A Tribute to ’s Pioneering Women

Archeworks ~ 625 North Kingsbury ~ Chicago, IL June 22 -August 24, 2003

1 Women Alive! A Legacy of Social Justice

Written by Bliss W. Browne, Yasmeen Basheeruddin, and Elizabeth Browne with a foreword by Patricia K. Novick Installation texts written by interviewers named in each text and edited by Mary Nolan

With special thanks to the Leo S. Guthman Fund and the Trade Association whose generosity made this publication possible

Published by Imagine Chicago (www.imaginechicago.org) Chicago, IL December 2003

Portions of this document may be reproduced with the sources and authors acknowledged

For more information, please contact Bliss Browne at [email protected] or Patricia Novick at [email protected]

Cover Illustration: Marc Chagall drawing, used with permission of the owner

2 Table of Contents Reflections on Spirituality and Justice ______4 Introduction to the Exhibition ______6 Interview Process ______8 Site Selection and Installation Partnership ______9 Meet the Honorees ______10 , Marca Bristo, Bliss Browne, Iva Carruthers ______12-19 Patricia Crowley, Patty Crowley, Josie Opena Disterhoft, Sunny Fischer ______20-27 Ann Ida Gannon, Jacky Grimshaw, Ronne Hartfield, Bette Cerf Hill ______28-35 Mary Houghton, Jean Hunt, Indira Johnson, Eva Maddox ______36-43 Aurie Pennick, Sylvia Puente, Hedy Ratner, ______44-51 Diann DeWeese Smith, Alaka Wali, Bernarda Wong, Addie Wyatt ______52-59

Pioneers in Prehistory ______60 Special Events and Programs ______62 Funding and Staffing ______64 Special Thanks ______65 An Invitation to Expanding Connections ______66 What’s Next in Chicago? ______67 Co-Sponsoring Organizations ______68 National Connections ______69

3 Reflections on Spirituality and Justice by Dr. Patricia Novick

When I was small, growing up in Chicago, my grandmother It was always a man, of course. Chicago has hundreds of would take me to parks. Not just the big ones. She seemed public monuments to men, but only one sculpture dedicated to know every broad patch of grass and playground in to a woman () for her contributions to the practically every neighborhood in the city. Often our city’s life. exploring led me to the base of some monument. Each of those memorials seemed gigantic to me as I looked up at it. Three years ago, as my friend Jean Hunt was working on I remember asking her why a particularly statue was there the book Women Building Chicago, 1790-1990, my and her answering, “Because that man was very important childhood recollections came back to me, and I wondered for the city. People wanted to honor him.” two things: would the women in that book ever be recognized with monuments; and, more immediately, how could we honor all the great women working right now for the cause of social justice? How could their legacies be revered in public and passed on?

That’s how the idea for this project was conceived. It took scores of dedicated women, giving many hours of time, to bring the project to birth. The women who made this happen and the women they worked so hard to honor, are all people I want my daughters and grandchildren to know and remember with affection. Their stories are not only of struggle but of the deep joy born of embracing all of life.

Not long ago I led a communication workshop at Erie Neighborhood House, a Chicago community-based organization. I gave the participants six balls of different- colored yarn and asked them to sit on the floor in a closed circle and toss the yarn to each other while they held onto the end. They called out a person’s name as they threw the yarn to another member of the circle. The result was a beautiful, multi-colored web stretched across the center of the circle. Patricia Novick in Washington Park, Chicago 4 They held it up, wiggled it and generally played with it until social justice pioneer. Second, spirituality shows a path to making someone said, “ I don’t want to let go if it,” and the others things better. It is a higher path of ideals and vision. Such a nodded in assent. They then talked about where they would vision of better life is a common characteristic of all spiritual hang it up in their building, and how this weaving was a practice, whatever the differences in specific religious beliefs symbol of their connection to each other. To use Susan may be. Thirdly, spirituality imparts a deep, persistent courage Monk’s words: – the faith that justice will prevail because it must. This is not to diminish the challenges to that courage and faith that all activists “We found that every movement vibrated the entire endure, but simply to note that for many it is hard to imagine web. And it dawned on me – this We found that every staying on that rugged path without the strength provided by movement vibrated the entire web. And it dawned on spiritually grounded faith. me – this immeasurable truth we were portraying. We are each a thread woven into the vast web of the universe, Finally, and perhaps most importantly, spirituality constantly linked and connected so that our lives are irrevocably deepens that unshakeable awareness of the connectedness of all bound up with one another. I looked at those faces things. As environmental activist John Seed describes: “‘I am around the circle in a new way. The old adage, “I am protecting the rainforest’ develops into ‘I am part of the rainforest my brother’s keeper” – or in this case, my sister’s keeper – melted into something new: I am my sister. And protecting myself. I am that part of the rainforest recently suddenly I wanted to gather them to me and do what I emerged into thinking.’” could to heal them and bless them and affirm to them how beautiful they were.” The lives you will touch in this book are Women Alive...women who exemplify wholeness, the ecology of life that constantly I can’t speak for the women honored here as social justice weaves nature and city, inner and outer, personal and political, pioneers, but I will speak about them. In addition to their sacrifice and blessing, into a seamless whole. The call to justice brave and visionary activities to improve our world, each is transformed beyond a moral mandate into a vocation to of them was chosen because she embodies spiritual plunge more deeply into Life. connectedness, living all aspects of her life – private as well as public, internal as well as external – in a way that makes I hope this wonderful exhibit will begin to shift the balance of the web of connectedness more dense, and more beautiful the people Chicagoans learn to look up and to bring honor to than it otherwise would have been. Their lives make vivid the lives and legacies of the many women in Chicago who are the many ways that spirituality inspires and informs the pursuit making a difference. of social justice. Dr. Patricia Novick was the initiator of Women Alive! A Legacy of At least four ways are in evidence. First, spirituality promotes Social Justice. She founded Alive Ltd. in 1998 to conduct workshops, a personalized awareness of injustice, the sense that it is not seminars and other programs that provide individuals and groups just “others,” but one’s “sisters and brothers”, who suffer tools to adopt and sustain physically, mentally and spiritually healthy from oppression. This is a deeply felt call to action of the ways of life. 5 Introduction to the Exhibition For generations, many Chicago-area women have been social vital connections between personal values and public action. justice pioneers, working on behalf of education, health, A volunteer artist or designer was available to work with economic opportunity and employment and social inclusion. them to create their installation. The inspiring exhibits they They have fought to eliminate bias on the basis of race, gender, created—from notebooks and journals, photographs, posters, ethnicity, and disability. They have dedicated works of art—testify to their values, struggles, their lives to shaping values, raising families, and achievements. They showcase how women and building healthy, just communities. For generations, many think about and express their devotion to Chicago women have been improving public life. In 2002, a group of Chicago women social justice pioneers decided that public recognition of these To strengthen the link between these honorees pioneers for social justice was long overdue. and future social-justice pioneers, young adult A committee of women leaders was organized, determined women volunteered to interview the honorees and document criteria, and solicited nominations of women who deserved to their stories, for the exhibition and for the women’s leadership be honored—and who might be willing to share their lives archives at the Gannon Center at Loyola University Chicago. and stories in a public exhibition. The committee selected two The text for each installation is the story they “caught.” dozen honorees from nearly 100 nominations, based on the following criteria: The Women Alive! A Legacy of Social Justice exhibit opened June 21, 2003 in Chicago and ran through August 24. The v a demonstrated commitment to improving conditions exhibition website, www.aliveltd.org , and a telephone infoline for disadvantaged or oppressed groups and to provided current information to prospective visitors. Exhibit empowering communities; hours were Saturday-Monday from noon to 6 p.m. and Tuesdays from 2 to 8 p.m., staffed by young adult summer v a risk-taker who created or led a new vision and explored interns. Scheduled special events and presentations by new territory; honorees, co-sponsor organizations and guest presenters took place each Sunday at 3:30 p.m. and each Tuesday at 6 p.m. v an exemplary model in private as well as in career and Like the exhibit itself, these special events raised vital questions public activities, dedicated to family and to a religious about public life, and heightened awareness about the or spiritual institution; distinctive ways women think about and advance social justice.

v a role model who inspires others to socially just missions We hope this exhibition book will extend that legacy, and and achievements. inspire you to think about your life story, the objects you would choose for your own exhibit, and how you make the Each honoree was asked to create a small installation, about vital connections between spirit and justice. the size of a dining room table, which would make visible the 6 Above: The Women Alive! organizing committee, and several honorees, meet just prior to the installation of the exhibition

Project interns and site managers Elizabeth Browne and Sukari Neblett (above) and Yasmeen Basheeruddin (below) add their own observations about justice

Left: Patricia Novick at the entrance to the exhibition venue

7 Interview Process:An Intergenerational Connection Suggestions Given to Interviewers: Where to interview: Place of business is preferable. Home is second choice but ask for a quiet room. Public places are difficult A key goal of Women Alive was to create meaningful connections to because you cannot control noise or interruptions. the next generation of aspiring justice pioneers. The suggestion was made to recruit young women to create the storyboards for the Interview Set up: Note the place and date of the interview, the name of the interviewer and the name of the honoree.Tape the installations, based on interviews they would conduct with the honorees. interview if at all possible. Avoid electrical equipment with a This would provide an opportunity for multiple generations to meet “hum” (A/C, fan. dishwasher, etc.) If possible, turn off nearby and connect in an intimate exchange in which they would learn from radios, TVs, music systems. one another. The resulting stories would be those caught and interpreted Opening: If the honoree seems reticent, share something about by a new generation. yourself and why you want to interview her. Remind the honoree that the interview will be used for the story board at the exhibit A group of about twenty socially conscious young women were identified AND as part of the archives. The storyboard will onlyhave space for a very limited amount of writing —about 300 words. Assure as potential interviewers. They were invited to an informal gathering in her that she will have control over what is written (and will be which they met one another, discussed the importance of the project sent a draft for her approval). Typing your notes will make the and their role in it, and designed the goals and format of the interviews. material much more accessible for researchers. Each volunteered to interview one or more honorees to create first Make your questions as open ended as possible. Listen carefully. person storyboards of around 300-350 words. The storyboards expressed Allow the honoree to expand on questions. Be wonderfully encouraging. Cover the following topics, if possible in this order: key connections in the honoree’s life and explained the significance of the some of the objects on display. * How and why did you get interested in social justice issues? When and where did you start to think about and work on these issues? What has been the animating vision for your work? The interviewers and honorees met during a reception on May 12, 2003. The interviewers shared why they chose to get involved; the * Whom do you consider primary influences or mentors? Tell me something about why she (he, they) inspired you. How honorees each spoke about an object that was especially meaningful to have your religious experiences, beliefs or spiritual commitments them. The intergenerational connection raised energy and interest in shaped your attitudes and your work? What other influences the project. A visiting film crew were so moved by the evening’s exchange have been critical to your vision and mission? that they produced, as a gift, an inspiring video which captured the * What do you plan to put into your installation to express the project’s promise. It set the exhibition tone and was shown continuously. story of your life and work? Please share something about the items you chose and why you chose them. What stories do they Within three weeks, the interviews were completed. Initial interviews represent? What vital connections? lasted approximately two hours with follow-up meetings left up to * What are some of the most difficult challenges you have encountered? What have been some of the greatest rewards or individual discretion. Draft storyboards were sent back to the honorees satisfactions? for editing. The final pieces were consistently formatted before mounting next to each exhibit. The intergenerational interview process led to * What words of wisdom would you give to young people many new friendships and a strong interest in deepening the conversation who might hope to follow in your footsteps? What other things would you like to share for the archives? begun there. 8 Site Selection Installation Design Questions: The exhibition committee needed a site for the exhibition that The artist/installer helped draw out from the honoree: would be centrally located, free of charge, and a secure ! What represents you? environment where personal objects would be safe. Gallery spaces proved too expensive and museums unavailable on short notice. ! What and who is significant to you? Archeworks, a socially conscious design school founded by one of the honorees, offered its space which was not otherwise in use ! What objects are important/sacred to you? over the summer. It provided flexible exhibition space and a comfortable venue for special events programming. As a self- ! What passages of your life can be identified and contained site, it could be monitored by only two interns. represented? The Installation Process and Partnership ! How can important connections be made visible?

A frequent early concern raised by the honorees dealt with the Naomi Caspe (at design and physical construction of the installations. To assist the left), Robbie Klein (at far right with installation process, each honoree was given the opportunity to Hedy Ratner), work with a volunteer artist or designer as an installation partner. Cynthia Breunlin (lower left with Several steering committee members also met with honorees to Aurie Pennick), and discuss objects they would like to display and their significance. Donna Nash (lower right) help as instal- One of the honorees, Indira Johnson, served as volunteer exhibit lation partners curator, and designed the overall layout of the space. Volunteers constructed large wooden frames and covered them with a heavy silver fabric, which gave the exhibition a uniform background. Each honoree was allocated a space 4’ X 6’. The exhibit location allowed for objects to be hung from the ceiling, nailed into the walls, or laid across the floor. The installations were assembled at the exhibit site in the week prior to opening day. Many installation partners and committee members worked throughout the week to help support the installation process. Once the exhibit opened, visitors raised specific questions about the objects and their significance. They wanted to know more biographical data about the honorees. Some additions were made to various installations to address these questions and reflect more clearly the life and legacy of the honorees. 9 Meet the Honorees!

Rev. Willie Barrow Religious & Civil Rights Activist Mary Houghton Activist Banker Marca Bristo Disability Rights Leader Jean Hunt Public Historian, Academic Rev. Bliss Browne Mother of Imagine Chicago Indira Johnson Artist, Peace Activist Iva Carruthers Orita Circle Eva Maddox Designer Patricia Crowley, OSB Contemplative Activist Aurie Pennick Attorney Patty Crowley Woman of Action Sylvia Puente Latina Activist Josie Opeña Disterhoft Educare Advocate Hedy M. Ratner Feminist Activist Sunny Fischer Anti-violence Activist Jan Schakowsky U. S. House of Representatives Ann Ida Gannon, BVM Educator Diann DeWeese Smith Rights Activist Jacky Grimshaw Community Change Agent Alaka Wali Activist Anthropologist Ronne Hartfield Arts Educator Bernarda Wong Dynamic Advocate Bette Cerf Hill Feminist, Artist Rev. Addie Wyatt Pastor Emerita, Vernon Park Church of God

“These are all women I want my daughters and grandchildren to know and remember with affection...”

10 Women Alive! A Legacy of Social Justice Barrow Bristo Browne Crowley

Disterhoft Fischer Gannon Grimshaw Hartfield Hill

Crowley Carruthers Houghton Hunt Johnson Maddox Pennick Puente

Ratner Schakowsky Smith Wali Wong Wyatt

11 WILLIE BARROW

Religious & Civil Rights Activist Rev. Willie Barrow Chair of the Board, Emerita, Rainbow PUSH Coalition Reverend Doctor Willie Barrow has spent her entire life on the front lines of the civil rights I guess you could say that I have always Overcoming experiences of racism in struggle. As a student in the 1940’s, she led a been a woman in motion who is not high school, living through periods of demonstration of rural African-American afraid to take action! It’s hard to believe extreme segregation, and marching on schoolchildren against a segregated school system that I have over half a century as a dangerous front lines with Dr. Martin that refused them bus service because of their race. voice of social change. Luther King, Jr. were an invitation for She later attended Warner-Pacific Theological Seminary in Portland, Oregon, supporting herself me to make a difference. by being a welder. As a student, she built a church in I was born on a farm that city. She was ordained and began her career as in Texas, and I “ You must have a There were times when I both a religious and civil rights activist. Reverend Barrow worked as Field wouldn’t exchange my passion for justice. feared for my life. And I lost farm experience for my son and only child to Organizer for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. a role I simply want to which made her responsible for the organization anything. It was AIDS in 1983. One of the see people treated of transportation, shelter, meetings, and rallies for through what I call things that we have to let our demonstrators who came to participate in marches “the experience of right.” young people know is that, and sit-ins. Reverend Barrow is currently the co- nature” that I came to for everything that they see Chair of the Rainbow-PUSH Coalition, where she know God at an early open to them now, we paid works as a close aide to Reverend whom she has known since the founding days of age. My daddy was a minister, and a price. And we really have to teach it Operation Breadbasket. Reverend Barrow also early on I began to follow in his to our children and our children’s serves as associate minister of the Vernon Park footsteps, jumping on the wagon to children, so they can continue the Church of God. trail him to church. By the age of struggle. I believe that it is important Reverend Barrow has been honored fourteen I felt my sense of calling to for people to get involved! You must numerous times including with a Doctor of Divinity degree from Monrovia, Liberia, and a Leadership the ministry. I told my dad then that I have a passion for justice. I simply want Certificate from Harvard University. In September wanted to work with people in prison. to see people treated right. 1997, a street on Chicago’s South Side was renamed I have always had a heart for the poor, for her. The Reverend Willie Barrow Wellness Center needy, and oppressed! My life’s motto is, “We are not so opened in 1997 as a clinic that treats those with much divided as we are disconnected!” limited health-care benefits. Along with the Barrow Health Mobile Clinic, these services bring much- My natural gifts for organizing needed healthcare to Chicago’s underserved areas. programs and connecting with the public made me realize that I was more of a leader than a preacher. Interviewer: Danita Patterson 12 “The Governor said they better give me what I wanted.”

Once a welder, Rev. Willie Barrow is a life-long leader “My son was a musician. He “It takes three to be married: in the struggle for social justice. entered college at age 15.” man, woman and God.”

13 MARCA BRISTO rights. It wasn’t just that the Americans Marca Bristo with Disabilities Act got passed; it was Disability Rights Leader that we did it, Marca Bristo is a nationally recognized we made it leader in the disability rights movement. She happen,we serves as president and chief executive officer After I had my accident, I was thrust into of Access Living, and in 1979 helped to found built the Access Living Chicago’s only non-residential a different world. It was like the world movement. A independent living program for people with suddenly closed in on me and got really collection of disabilities. In addition, Bristo is the small. I remember trying to go to the people with Chairperson of the National Council on grocery store near my house. I got all the “broken Disability (NCD), and is the first person with a way there in my chair and hit a tall curb. I disability to hold that position. She co-founded bodies” (that’s the National Council on Independent Living didn’t give up; I went all the way around how others (NCIL), and served on the congressionally the block to the alley—but there was saw us, I mean) got a groundbreaking appointed Task Force on the Rights and another curb. I remember just sobbing, piece of legislation passed! I remember Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities after that. a woman we worked with saying, “I (which led to the creation of the ADA). In March of 1995, Bristo became the used to think that my chair was too first person with a disability to participate in a big for the bathroom; now I realize UN Summit when she served as part of the “People don’t want pity, they that the bathroom door is too small U.S. delegation at the UN World Summit on want justice. That’s what we for my chair!” People don’t want Social Development in Copenhagen. In 1993, pity, they want justice. That’s what Bristo was named the Henry B. Betts Laureate, fought for!” the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in the we fought for. rehabilitation/disability field, and in 1998 was appointed to the Presidential Task Force on Having children and raising them, Employment for Adults with Disabilities. Later, my way of thinking shifted. I that was the second most life-changing Bristo has been honored many times realized that being disabled wasn’t just my thing. I want to tell the young women with awards from various organizations such problem, it was a social problem. I started as the 1993 United Way of Chicago Executive who see this exhibit that we, the of the Year Award and the Mercedes-Benz imagining the possibilities. What if women being honored, shouldn’t be Mentor Award in 1995. Crain’s Chicago someone took a sledgehammer and put on a pedestal. We are just regular Business named her one of Chicago’s “100 Most lowered those curbs? What if they started women who had a passion for Influential Women” in 1996. Bristo holds a installing lifts on the city buses? Now I something and worked really hard for BA in sociology from Beloit College and a BS look around, and I see we did it. in nursing from Rush College of Nursing. She it. I want them to know that they could lives in Chicago with her husband Bob do it too. Kettlewell, son Sammy, and daughter There were many moments of power, Madeline. working with disabled people for their Interviewer: Eve Tulbert 14 Vital ways of moving forward Marca Bristo and daughter Madeline.The ADAPT flag behind, with its international access symbol of stars, was used for Justin Dart’s funeral.

15 BLISS BROWNE broader civic engagement. Growing up as the middle of their five children, I learned about Rev. Bliss W. Browne the power and possibility of community. I had Mother of the chance at an early age to travel and live Bliss Williams Browne is the founder Imagine Chicago abroad, so the world became home. and President of IMAGINE CHICAGO. She was among the first women ordained to the priest- For sixteen years, I worked concurrently as a hood in the Episcopal church, in 1977, and the I love incarnation—all the fullness of life and corporate banker and parish priest. I was first woman priest ever to preach at Westminster love, the infinite creativity of God, embodied heartbroken over the waste of children’s lives Abbey in London. She graduated in the first in our very limited human form. I collect in Chicago. In 1991, at a conference I organized class of women undergraduates from Yale, and nativity scenes from all over the world. Think on faith, imagination, and public life, an holds graduate degrees from Harvard and Northwestern in theology and finance. of Mary, Jesus’ mother, a young woman who animating vision seized my imagination—of the recycling symbol as an image of the Trinity, For sixteen years she was a corporate could not possibly have understood what was banker and Division Head at the First National being asked of her, and yet she makes herself of God’s economy as one in which nothing and no one is wasted. Four days later, I quit Bank of Chicago, while volunteering as a par- available, welcomes what is coming to birth. ish priest at Trinity Church and later St. James my banking job to bring that vision to birth. Sara Cathedral. She has been a director of eighteen “Renounce cynicism, Ruddick Ronald Marstin defines justice as non-profit boards, and chaired the boards of defines fundamentally a matter of who is included the Center for Neighborhood Technology, the listen, speak, and mothering and whom we can tolerate neglecting. I want Chicago Metro Ethics Coalition and the MidAmerica Leadership Foundation. She is an live from a stance of as “a to help create an economy where everyone’s sustained author and sought after keynote speaker, con- abundance, love contribution is essential to the way forward, sultant, trainer, and facilitator nationally and in- response to questions more than where everyone’s creativity matters. This ternationally. thework has become known as Imagine Chicago. IMAGINE CHICAGO is a catalyst for answers, focus on promise intergenerational, intercultural connections. Irenaeus said, “The glory of God is the person learning rather than embedded Since 1992, it has built partnerships with more fully alive.” What brings me alive? Friendships, success, welcome in the than 100 community organizations and cultural creation of gardening, creative expression, connecting to institutions – and inspired a worldwide and trust life’s new life.” I young people and to the seasons of life. IMAGINE movement on six continents. Rev. Browne has been honored with mystery.” think like a What advice would I give a young person? the Chicago Mercedes Mentor Award, a mother Renounce cynicism, listen, about everything, including public life. My Rockefeller Fellowship, a Kellogg National speak, and live from a stance Leadership Fellowship, and two Eureka three children are a constant inspiration. of abundance, love questions Community Awards. She was one of 24 more than answers, focus on practitioners invited to participate in the Saguaro I was blessed with extraordinary parents. My learning rather than success, Seminar on Civic Engagement in America, at mother, a gifted homemaker and artist, welcome and trust life’s Harvard University’s Kennedy School, which constantly shows me mothering is a creative mystery. Hope is a choice. recognized national innovators in developing act. My father, a business leader, is animated social capital. by a passion for learning, for family, and for Interviewer: Keely McDonald 16 A Brazilian nativity scene - a treasure of life lived abroad as a child and of incarnation

A doll made to express her com- mitment to being fully alive

Inspiration comes from the next Browne generation- Justin, Eliza- beth and Caroline

Bliss Browne sits in front of the “exquisite corpus of Chicago” she commissioned in 1992 to encourage people to think about Chicago as a whole and the importance of imagination in public life. 17 IVA E. After freshman year at the University of Illinois, I got married and had my Dr. Iva E. Carruthers CARRUTHERS first child. When my son was eleven Dr. Iva E. Carruthers is Founder and Orita Circle months old, my husband drowned Director of Lois House and The Orita Circle. She in a freakish boating accident. I was is on the Board of Long Range Planning at Trinity a widow at 24 and had to dig deep, United Church of Christ and serves as a Trustee of The foundation of my strong family was discover my faith, and practice the Chicago Theological Seminary. She is former president of the Urban Outreach Foundation and essential in setting the stage for my life. I power of prayer. I have served as Executive Director of the Black Theology was happily raised in an extended family, come to understand Project, fostering interdenominational and interfaith and I am proud to be named after my seasons of dialogue between the Americas and Africa. grandmother, who is my heart. My father metamorphosis, and that Dr. Carruthers is former Chairperson of made me believe, “Iva, the world is your beautiful wonders are the Sociology Department at Northeastern Illinois University, which awarded her its 1999 Life stage,” and my mother promised, “I will born out of struggle. This is why the Achievement Award. She has authored and edited defend your right to try.” butterfly means so much to me. a number of publications and is a consultant to SRA/McGraw Hill Publishing Company. She is a My sense of social justice was greatly This butterfly quilt will hang in a frequent guest speaker in national and international forums and has served as a consultant to many influenced by my family, as well as by rehabbed brownstone in the Hyde organizations both public and private. She is a the hostile climate during the civil rights Park Neighborhood, within the Lois trustee of the John H. Clarke Institute for African movement. I found myself the first House, named after my mother. Lois Research, Shared Interest, the Center for Applied African- House is a sacred Linguistics, the Saltpond Redevelopment Institute, American center of and the Foundation. Dr. Carruthers was founding President of student in an “I have come to understand reflection, Nexus Unlimited, an information and educational integrated seasons of metamorphosis, renaissance, and technology firm. She received the “Year 2000 school in retreat. The quilt Woman Entrepreneur of the Year” award, given and that beautiful wonders Evanston, reflects the untold by the National Foundation of Women Legislators Illinois. I are born out of struggle.” stories of the faith and the Small Business Administration. The educational software she developed received the personally walk of fifty ComputerWorld Smithsonian Award. experienced African-American She is the mother of two sons and received social injustices at a young age, and I women who desire to carry the Ebony Magazine’s 2001 Outstanding Mother witnessed my beloved grandmother legacy of positive social change into Award. She holds a B.A. from the University of Illinois in Sociology and French; an M.A. in washing the clothes of white families. generations to come. This work of Counselor Education, a Ph.D. in Sociology from These experiences and such books as art is my graduation gift from and a Master of Knock on Any Door and The American seminary, and my gift to you! Theological Studies from Garrett Evangelical Dilemma served to shape my heart in the Theological Seminary. direction of social justice. Interviewer: Danita Patterson 18 Personal objects including family pictures, books, and an album telling the story of each butterfly on the quilt.

Iva Carruthers with her long-time champion and mother

Left: This butterfly quilt rep- resents the powerful lives and stories of African American women.

Right: Dr. Carruthers speaks about her inspiration and life mission on a panel during a Women Alive evening pro- gram.

19 you. People who are homeless are PATRICIA people. And, during the last few years, Patricia Crowley, OSB CROWLEY, OSB the money, funding, is really a challenge. Sister Patricia Crowley is revered as a Contemplative Activist Urban change is really challenging. visionary and champion in the fight to end When I worked in the Howard Area homelessness in Chicago. She joined the What satisfactions have come out of my Community Center in Rogers Park, we Benedictine Sisters in 1958 and began teaching French and Theology at St. Scholastica High present work? To see 129 women who had optimal opportunity for change in School in 1965. She became Theology Depart- have been homeless and are now in the community, but there were so many ment Chair and later Subprioress of St. housing. One woman who had just factors against us. People were moved Scholastica Priory-- a postion she held from moved into an in from other 1976-78. apartment hadn’t neighborhoods In 1979, she became Executive Direc- tor of the Howard Area Community Center. been in housing in “We just don’t lose our instinct to and had no In 1989, she was awarded a Chicago Com- 30 years—she’d create a home for ourselves even connections— munity Trust Community Service Fellowship been out on the though we’re on the street; we don’t no childcare, no and travelled to Latin America and the Carib- bean to study ways in which poor women street. She came lose our basic instincts.” support when into the apartment they were sick. organize themselves politically. It proved to be one of the most meaningful experiences of with her bag, and So we spent time her life. she took out this ragged little flower cloth working on those things. In 1991, Sr. Crowley became Execu- and put it on the table. That’s amazing. tive Director of Deborah’s Place, a non-profit We just don’t lose our instinct to create a It’s just hard to do change, because so that provides services, supportive housing and home for ourselves even though we’re shelter for homeless women. Under her lead- much is governed by property owners ership, Deborah’s Place has become the larg- on the street; we don’t lose our basic who want to make money. They might est provider of Chicago area housing and shel- instincts. be good-hearted, but they don’t want ter for homeless women. to lose money—and that area is Sr. Crowley is a founding board mem- Of course there have been problems. probably gentrifying now. The whole ber of Dehon House and Housing Opportu- When we were trying to get property in nities for Women, and has served on many thought of trying to boards, including the Chicago Council on Lakeview, the neighborhood objected. It change the urban Urban Affairs, the Partnership to End was the whole thing of NIMBY (Not in environment so poor Homelessness, the Chicago Peace Council and My Back Yard). We worked for over nine people get their share Just Jobs, Inc. She has received many awards months, went door-to-door and talked is mind-boggling. including the Outstanding Achievement Award to people, organized teas and different for Community Leadership from the Chicago YWCA (1995), the prestigious Cardinal things, to help people understand that Bernadin Award from Amate House (1998) this is part of our society. The women and the 2000 Unsung Heroine Award spon- who are homeless are not going to hurt Interviewer: Morgan McDonald sored by Mitsubishi Motors USA Foundation. 20 Sr. Pat Crowley with her mother Patty Crowley. Both have been honored as social justice pioneers.

Patricia Crowley’s installation manifests a deep spirituality and an unwavering desire to help those in need.

21 PATTY CROWLEY Patty Crowley Patty Crowley is the President and Founder of the Patricia Foundation. The birth mother of five children, and foster mother of a Woman of Action dozen more, she has provided home to inter- was part of the program for the national students from more than 30 countries. groups that were involved in CFM. In 1949, she founded, with her husband Patrick After my husband and I started working Crowley, the Christian Family Movement, an in the Christian Family Movement, At that time in Chicago, we were international social action movement of couples. She served as its President until 1970, subse- what happened is that more groups, aware of how terrible segregation quently becoming President with her husband made up of was in our city. of the International Confederation of the Chris- couples, We knew that we tian Family movement. started all “We were aware of how had to get out and Patty has served on many boards in- over the terrible segregation was in do things to cluding the Jane Addams Advisory Council, friends of the , Deborah’s our city. We knew that we change that. We Place, the Chicago Housing Authority Board and also in had to get out and do things tried to get other of Commissioners, Housing Opportunities and Europe, and to change that.” people to be Maintenance for the Elderly, the YWCA of Met- there was active in ropolitan Chicago, the Foundation for Interna- one group in addressing this tional Cooperation, the Latino Institute, and advisory councils at the University of Notre Africa. I think those were the things issue. Building relationships among Dame and the University of Chicago. She was that were more important than people of different races was one President of Space Travel Agency from 1974- everybody sitting and talking about strategy we used. 1990, and served as a director of Caron Inter- nothing much. national and Marietta, Inc. She has been an ac- What can happen when people work tive member of Call to Action since its incep- tion. We were very involved. In the early around social justice? If they do it As a pair, Patty and her daughter Pat days, we traveled around the world these days, they have to be aware of have received numerous awards including the visiting the what’s going on, because most people Laetere Medal from Notre Dame, the Pro Eccelsia groups that were don’t look into the way life is going Medal bestowed by Pope Pius XII, the meeting as on in the world. I think they have to Magnificat Medal from Mundelein College, awards from the Chicago Commission of Hu- couples. We do that. We’re involved in a few man Relations and from NCCJ, and the St. described to organizations. The Call to Action Josephat Parish first annual Unity Award. She them the group is pretty good. They have a has received honorary degrees from her alma technique of group of women that are good. mater, Trinity College in Washington, DC, from “observe, judge, Loyola University Chicago and from Catholic Theological Union. and act.” That Interviewer: Morgan McDonald 22 Right: Patty Crowley ar- riving for one of the many special events she attended at Women Alive. At age 90, she still shows the way forward in the fight against injustice.

23 JOSIE OPEÑA with the right to dream and to a bright future, and with a voice. It was also a Josie Opeña Disterhoft DISTERHOFT country where laughter came easily and Josie Opeña Disterhoft where I grew up a witness to untold acts Educare advocate Josie Educare Advocate of human kindness, warmth, and friendship. Disterhoft is the director of Advocate Lutheran General’s I was born with a penchant for noticing and Now an educator, I believe that equality Children’s Daycare Center, and has been honored for her work questioning, and the among people exists when impulse to rearrange, with young children in daycare “Equality among people they are able to develop and for her contributions to peace reshape, or restructure their individual selves to the and justice. The Center seeks to things so that they are exists when they are able to fullest, regardless of wealth promote the healthy physical, pleasing to behold or develop their individual or other handicapping social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development of the allow people to live selves to the fullest, conditions, like area of their lives decently and whole child—a goal not often regardless of wealth or other residence, or the fact that sought by traditional daycare gratefully. Working in handicapping conditions, parents need to work. As facilities. education now enables Disterhoft was one of 19 like area of residence, or the educarers of the very me to use those skills. young, my profession people who helped to create the Student Catholic Action fact that parents need to works with parents, as the I was raised in a Leadership Foundation, which work.” first mirrors for their raises funds and designs leadership Catholic faith tradition children, so that the young training programs for youth in that reinforced my see themselves as lovable the . intuition that the appreciation of being is the and able to act in life, heirs to bright futures. She has served on a highest, fullest form of living and worship. As a number of civic boards including Catholic, I have not escaped the notion that the Ecumenical Child Care What keeps me going? I have no will or Network, The Center for whether I choose or not, I am a member of a energy when I am not loved or am not Neighborhood Technology, and group, “the mystical body of Christ,” and I have accountable or relevant to any community. the selection committee for the responsibilities of noblesse oblige. Especially important are my family of Kohl McCormick Tribune Excellence in Teaching Award. origin, my co-professionals, friends from The Philippines, where I was born, is called the Disterhoft also served as my youth in the Philippines, friends in my a former national chair of “Pearl of the Orient Seas” because it is so aging years from all over this country, and, Childcare in Healthcare, a beautiful. It was also a place where hovels of most particularly, my husband and two national association for hospital- extreme poverty sometimes co-existed with children, who are great lovers of affiliated childcare programs. homes of disturbing and unnecessary indulgence. themselves and of life. In inequality, it was difficult to remember that one was a whole person, with talents to educate, Interviewer: Naisy Dolar 24 Below: Josie listens to her daughter Judith’s comments on raising just children in an unjust society: “My mother taught us we all have two rights: the right to work and the right to love. A woman should not have to choose between them.”

25 SUNNY FISCHER me happiest when I’m really busy. My major complaint and constraint comes Sunny Fischer Anti-violence Activist from the clock—there never seems to be enough time. Anti-violence activist Sunny Fischer was Executive Director of the born in New York City, where she attended Richard T. Driehaus Hunter College of the City University. She Women Alive! A Legacy of Social Justice earned a Master’s degree from the University Foundation proves that no one does it alone, and of Chicago’s School of Social Services it’s foolish to try. For everything any of Administration, and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Richard H. Driehaus Because my parents lived social action, I us has accomplished, and all that others hope to do, others will watch our backs, foundation and the Chair of the Board of learned early that a full life meant working Directors of the Family Violence Prevention to create a better world, or city, or hold our hands, or pave the way. I fund. neighborhood, hope I have been as She has worked tirelessly to help stop or block. accessible and as useful domestic violence by working with battered woman and their children. She became the Interning at a a resource in peoples’ “For everything any of us founding executive director of the Sophia Fund, Washington area lives as others have has accomplished, and all one of the first private women’s foundations in crisis center, I been for me. the county, and also co-founded the Chicago recognized that that others hope to do, Foundation for Women. Fischer co-wrote All sexual assault and others will watch our My installation reflects They Can Do: Police Response to Battered Women Complaints. She has advocated to domestic backs, hold our hands, or pieces of my life that led me to this point: increase the philanthropic response to gender violence were pave the way” discrimination and poverty through her work the most family and home, with the Donors Forum and United Way in dramatic forms books, people, the Chicago, and served as a teacher, researcher of sexism, and anti-violence and social worker. Fischer has been honored by numerous I’ve been involved in some way in the movement, the Chicago Foundation for Women, which I co-founded. And organizations for her work in philanthropy and movement to stop violence ever since. women’s issues, including the Midwest humor. What a gift. Women’s Center, the National Society of I deeply believe in courtesy. People Fundraising Executives’ Chicago Chapter, and generally want to be good to each other, My grandmother knitted the afghan. the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, which honored her with its Point want to build community. It’s the basis of Somehow, she did it although she was a mother of four, a factory worker, and a of Lightning Award. She received the prestigious human rights. Growing up in New York Perlman Award for Human Advancement at the City, I constantly saw the miracle of eight union organizer adjusting to a new Jewish Woman International North American million people rushing around a small country. When did she have time? It’s a Conference in Chicago in recognition of her place, managing, for the most part, to be great legacy—there’s a lot left to do. long-term commitment to women, children, tolerant and to keep a sense of humor. families and communities. Maybe it’s the New York in me that makes Interviewer: Laura Kreeger 26 Sunny Fischer’s exhibit reflects family, humor, and a deep com- mitment to com- batting violence against women.

Right: the afghan knit by Sunny’s grandmother, a factory worker, union organizer, and mother of four. “When did she have time to do that?” asked Sunny at the May 12 reception for Women Alive!

27 women students. Women were ANN IDA demanding equality in many areas, Sr. Ann Ida Gannon GANNON, B.V.M. and I was appointed to several committees, including the Ann Ida Gannon, BVM, has spent Educator President’s Task Force on Women’s a lifetime in leadership positions. As Rights and Responsibilities and the president of Mundelein College from In 1932, after graduating Illinois Commission on the Status of 1957-75, Sister Ann Ida held national leadership positions in higher education, from Immaculata High Women. Recognizing that serving as chairperson of the boards of the School in Chicago, I entered “ I realized that this Association of American Colleges and the many women the Sisters of Charity of the country needed to American Council on Education. Sister Blessed Virgin Mary, a who had look really hard at Ann Ida served on the U.S. President’s Task teaching order of Sisters dropped out of Force on Women’s Rights and founded in 1833. The BVMs the options for college later Responsibilities, the Illinois Commission were among several orders educating women. “ found it difficult on the Status of Women, and was co- of Sisters dedicated to to be accepted in chairperson of ERA Illinois in 1976-77. teaching women in the 19th many institutions, Sister Ann Ida has been a director century and now serving parochial schools, we established a Degree Completion or trustee of Chicago’s WTTW-TV, high schools, and colleges. Program at Mundelein, later called Newberry Library, the Association of the Weekend College. Governing Boards of Colleges and After two and a half years in the novitiate, Universities, and several colleges and I continued part-time undergraduate and As the first woman member of some universities, including DeVry Inc. She has graduate study while teaching in parochial boards or committees, I felt received numerous honorary degrees and awards, including the Association of schools and at St. Mary’s High School. In successful when more women were added to those groups before I left. Catholic Colleges and Universities’ 1951, I completed a Ph.D. in philosophy at Hesburgh Award for Leadership in However, my vision embraced the St. Louis University and was assigned to Catholic Higher Education, the University teach at Mundelein College. Six years later, needs of all those who were of Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal and the I was appointed President of the College. I deprived in some way or other. As Council of Independent Colleges’ was one of the very few women college a BVM, I had been taught to use my Outstanding Service Award. presidents of that time, and I realized that gifts to serve the needs of God’s this country needed to look really hard at people and to inspire others to do She is a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary the options for educating women. the same. Much of that effort is unseen and unpublished, and that is (BVMs), a Catholic order of women as it should be. religious admired as pioneers and leaders There were many outstanding women’s in American Catholic education for more colleges in the country, but before World than 150 years. War II few Catholic universities accepted Interviewer: Eve Tulbert 28 As women’s equality in education became more important nationally, Sr. Gannon was appointed to the President’s Task Force on Women’s Rights and Responsibilities in 1970. Above is their report.

29 For my eighth birthday, dressed in all my JACKY GRIMSHAW finery, I traveled with my godmother to hear Marian Anderson’s velvet contralto. Community Change Agent The memory still gives me goosebumps. Jacky Grimshaw VP for Policy, Transportation, As a Girl Scout collecting donations at and Community Development Regal Theater stage shows, I deepened my Activist and public policy appreciation of a living Black history made advocate Jacky Grimshaw began her Center for Neighborhood Technology career in media as a radio talk show of people I could see, hear, and feel. host. She later worked for the State Together with my regular visits to of Illinois Department of Labor and I like to describe my life as serendipitous. The Provident Hospital, where an African- Personnel and from 1981-1984 for picture of the Woodlawn Organization’s old American first performed open-heart the U.S. Department of Health and surgery, these experiences Human Services as a program location at 63rd & officer for the Indiana Work Woodlawn, under the instilled in me faith in Incentive Program and Head Start. elevated tracks, provides a “If there were any possibility. In 1984, Mayor Harold Washington perfect example. I was a message I would leave for hired Grimshaw to his office of fourth-grade teacher when You see a crocus—a Intergovernmental Affairs. In 1986, generations to come, it he named her his top legislative aide. my daughter asked me, hardy, dependable sign of would be that for life to From 1990-1992, “Mommy, when buildings renewal stretching Grimshaw served as Deputy City get old, do they die by have meaning, it must be undaunted through the Treasurer for Economic burning up?” Fires were so lived for others.” snow to show us the way Development. In 1992, she became prevalent in the towards spring. My Vice President of Policy, position at CNT began Transportation and Community neighborhood that she Development for the Center for thought this to be the natural order. It was to this way, during its own phase of rebirth Neighborhood Technology. the Woodlawn Organization that I went to and restructuring, and it represents the Grimshaw is affiliated with answer her question, and it was there that I got culmination of so much of who I am and various boards, including the my start in community organizing. what my life has been about. It’s enabled Surface Transportation Policy me to address policy, science, and Project, the Transportation Research Board’s Committee on As a candidate for the Model Cities Council, I education. Environmental Justice and Women’s encountered the corruption of Chicago politics. Issues in Transportation, the The Machine was as vicious for the Council If there were any message I would leave American Public Transport election as it was for the Mayor’s. Incensed, I for generations to come, it would be that Association, and the Center for for life to have meaning, it must be lived Clean Air Policy. Grimshaw was resolved to learn everything I could about the married in 1964 to her husband, electoral process. I went on to coordinate for others. William Grimshaw, with whom she countless political campaigns, including Harold has two children. Washington’s in 1987. Interviewer: Amanda Kreiss 30 31 RONNE HARTFIELD Ronne Hartfield

Arts Educator Ronne Hartfield is a poet, writer, and former top administrator of two of the most important arts education The greatest satisfaction in my organizations in the country. Her goal since work has been breaking down walls she began working has been to positively between people, walls of race and color, affect society through art. In 1969, economic and social walls. Urban Hartfield became the project director at Urban Gateways, the largest private arts Gateways broke down a huge number of education organization in the United States. walls, even among our artists. Bringing In 1974, the School of the Art Institute of inner city teachers in and having them Chicago hired her as Professor of become knockout curriculum developers Comparative Literature and Dean of is highly satisfying, as is getting people to Students. Seven years later, Hartfield work together. not doing that,” you have to say, “I’m returned to Urban Gateways to serve as doing it.” You’ve got to get down there executive director. As a result of her Young persons trying to follow in these when you want to have it happen. leadership, Urban Gateways was named footsteps in social justice work have to by the National Endowment for the Arts have a very strong conviction about what I have a wonderful handcrafted sculpture (NEA) as the national model for artist training and community arts education. In they want to happen. of St. John that was made by 1991, she became the executive director for They have to Mexican Indians, and I love it. museum education at the Art Institute of understand that that “ You’ve got to get This is St. John the Baptist, who Chicago. This work earned her international recognition as an expert in this may not be shared down there when baptized Jesus. There was this by everybody.They sense I had for a long time, arts and multicultural education. you want to have it Hartfield serves as a trustee for have to be able to questioning about that business happen.” numerous organizations, including the develop some support happen.” of going under the water and Rhode Island School of Design and around their ideas, to what the real meanings in that Chicago’s Columbia College. Additionally, be able to work like three people instead were. I wrote a poem about this called she has worked as a consultant for the NEA of one to make some things happen. When “Walk on the Water,” which ends with the and the Rockefeller Foundation. She earned a BA in History and an I was at Urban Gateways, we had this notion that I couldn’t understand why MA in Theology and Literature, both from incredible team. People would cut cheese somebody wouldn’t want to walk in the the University of Chicago. She is a mother and clean up kitchen counters—these water, because that’s where all the action of four, and lives in Chicago with her were PhDs, just doing it. People worked is. husband, Robert Hartfield. incredibly hard. Sometimes when you meet resistance and someone says, “I’m Interviewer: Keely McDonald 32 Three generations of family

Left: Ronne Hartfield (in foreground) and Indira Johnson team up to lead a workshop on Justice through Art

33 BETTE CERF HILL Bette Cerf Hill

Feminist, Artist Bette Cerf Hill is an artist, painter, poet and a community activist interested in land use planning including historic preservation, education and the arts. The Printers Row Book Fair, which I whatever, do it to the best of your After serving in several State agencies and a political abilities, and if you have to create campaign, she created the Near South Planning Board founded, was like graduate school for to aid in the development of this new residential area in me! We encouraged a wild mix of your own organization and you’re Chicago. Hill endeavored to change the perception of booksellers, from used booksellers to only fifteen, just do it. the long abandoned area through a series of cultural activities. Beginning in 1980, Hill was part of a team of people who’d published one book. twenty Chicago women who presented Judy Chicago’s Every year All of us have the The Dinner Party. She also helped to produce Sculpture we added “I would beg young people resources inside Chicago, which was a juried exhibition for sculptors from something, to look into their own minds ourselves. Do what all over the country to create their sculpture in public you really want to view . When Hill founded the Printers Row Book Fair in like the and hearts, figure out what 1985, she envisioned free literary programs for the public do. I never advise poetry tent, they want to do, and do it.” and book sellers bringing a rich mix of literature out into so that poetry people to look in the sunshine in downtown Chicago. The fair spawned the newspaper for a a national literary award named after Harold Washington. goes on in its Hill is a founding board member of the Young wonderful fashion. It just is a lovely job. I advise them to write down Women’s Leadership Charter School of Chicago. She is thing: there’s no traffic, it’s this quiet everything they like to do and then especially interested in giving an ordinary cross section go out and find that job or make it of public school children stimulating experiences in order scene with people milling around, to unleash their ambition and enable them to achieve reading, elbowing each other out of the up; they’ll be happier and do a lot success. She is a founding advisory member of the Rush way—for books! The book fair was this more for the world. This doesn’t Neurological Behavioral Center for children with brain magic mix of putting everything mean that you don’t have to start based problems. It enables children to find a place and together and letting people do their at the bottom, do an apprenticeship, comfort in a world that thinks differently from them. but that can be done in a huge Hill attended the School of the Art Institute of thing. That’s how I like to operate: put Chicago and studied ceramics and painting. She now everything together and then step back variety of ways. I think everybody shares a studio with very accomplished artist Lee Tracy, and watch it happen. needs only to have permission to and shows and sells her work in New York and Chicago. find their own way. No A feminist by choice and circumstance, Hill has If you aspire to do social justice work, one can give you three daughters, four granddaughters, and by marriage permission, you have to to the amazing Bruce Sagan, two sons, two daughters- take the stage! I would beg young in-law and five more wonderful grandchildren. Hill is people to look into their own minds take it. You have to progressive in politics and passionate about women’s right and hearts, figure out what they want create your own to choose. She loves to garden and is currently working to do, and do it. Depending on the accomplishments. on a book of unpublished poems, painting, and raising circumstances, of course: if there’s a role funds for the Young Women’s Leadership Charter School. to be played in an organization or Interviewer: Morgan McDonald 34 35 MARY in the late 1960s and early 70s when many Chicago neighborhoods were faced with HOUGHTON critical racial issues. My colleagues and I Mary Houghton knew that there were many people on Activist Banker Chicago’s south and west sides with Mary Houghton is a director President, ShoreBank entrepreneurial energy. We believed that of ShoreBank Corporation, a member if they could get some capital, they could of its executive committee, a director Corporation of most of it subsidiaries and affiliates, reinvest in and restore their own and a member of several credit com- My own story is very ordinary, more communities. mittees. She has 35 years of commer- about the people and events that led me cial banking experience in to the choices I’ve made that ultimately We were young and full of big ideas. We underinvested markets in the United decided that we would raise the capital to States and in developing countries. became my life’s work. It was partly being She was a founder of the at the right place at the right time, having buy a bank that would provide credit to Woman’s Self Employment Project a few good teachers along the way, as those who couldn’t access it in (WSEP), a leading U.S microfinance or- well as being curious about the world and conventional ways: thus the creation of ganization, and has been a member of getting out of ShoreBank. Our “big idea” the boards of Accion International, Women’s World Banking, Calmeadow my native to use a bank holding “ I encourage others to Foundation, and the Calvert Founda- environment. company to try to affect tion. Houghton is also a member of the prize their freedom to be urban neighborhoods Cities Alliance Policy Advisory Group, Before passionate about issues continues to evolve. My and a founding member of the Council receiving my that are personally role has been to be open on Equality Funds. to the “next new thing.” She completed the bank finan- Master’s in meaningful.” cial feasibility work for the Grameen International After 30 years, I am still Bank donors in the 1980’s and subse- Studies from excited and inspired by our quently for BRAC Bank and the Aga Johns Hopkins University, I had been newest endeavors. Socially responsible Khan Rural Support Program’s bank in raised and educated in a typical investing has truly become my passion. northern Pakistan. She also serves on the Board of K-Rep Bank in Kenya. midwestern Irish Catholic suburban milieu. Houghton holds a Master of Exposure to the rich diversity of people, I encourage others to prize their freedom Arts in International Studies from the ideas, and experiences in Washington, to be passionate about issues that are School of Advanced International Stud- D.C., was the catalyst for moving to the personally meaningful. When given an ies at John Hopkins University and a urban community of Chicago’s Hyde Park opportunity, grow with it and you just Bachelor of Arts in English, cum laude, a year after graduating. might surprise yourself by doing a bit more from Marquette University. than you expected. I was working at Hyde Park Bank in the minority small business loan department Interviewer: Jana Baskin 36 Above: Mary Houghton with the other founders of ShoreBank--Milton Davis, James Fletcher and Ronald Grzywinski

Mary Houghton’s exhibit shows photographs and tells the stories of the many impor- tant people--friends, col- leagues, family-- who have shaped her life

37 JEAN HUNT people more control over their situations and allows them to develop their potential. How we educate our children and population Public Historian, Academic is extremely important. The things that Professor, Emerita, expand minds and hearts and lift our spirits Harold Washington College are vital.

Satisfaction comes from doing a job you want I got involved in social justice issues grandmother, my Aunt Ruth, and other to do. If you want to do something, try to through my early work with labor female relatives were leaders and highly do it and don’t let anything or anyone stand unions and migrant workers. While respected in their communities. They had in your way. Be yourself in your world. teaching at the a tremendous influence University of on my life and inspired Interviewer: Carolyn Read Illinois at “Life has many limitations, me by being active in Chicago, I but everyone should be their communities and Jean Hunt became able to choose more than simultaneously involved interested in in their families. working-class just to ‘sink or swim.’” Historian Jean Hunt is most recognized for her role as founder of the Chicago Area students and I strongly believe that Women’s History Conference, which she their place and everyone should have as founded in 1971. Additionally, she has served as role in history. Working-class students much choice as possible. Life has many the Education Director for the Local 32, represent the history of the limitations, but everyone should be able International Ladies Garment Workers Union ( anonymous, those who don’t usually to choose more than just to “sink or now part of Unite), She is Professor Emerita at Harold Washington College, Coordinator of make it into history books but swim.” One way to guarantee the Chicago’s year-long sesquicentennial celebration, contribute a great deal to society. It opportunity and possibility for making and a committee member of the Mayor’s Office was wonderful working with this choices is through of Special Events. She has also worked with population. I made it my business to education. I find it Chicago’s Women’s Park and Chicago Tribute get into the discouraging that we Markers, and the Department of Cultural Affairs. Hunt also has extensive writing to continue teaching at-risk students, can’t seem to find experience, having co-authored Walking With many of whom represented the first solutions to violence, Women Through Chicago History along with generation in their families to attend war, poverty, and numerous articles in “Women on the Move”, a college. discrimination. Despite quarterly newsletter. She authored “History” in some improvements, we keep going back Through the Eyes of Social Science (1,2,3,4,5 editions) and “Democracy in Unions” for the There were many strong female role to things that are life destroying instead of Committee for Democratic Institutions. models in my family. My mother, my life enhancing. Education, however, gives 38 Right: Jean Hunt was Executive Direc- tor of the group of twenty womenwho brought the Judy Chicago exhibit to Chicago.

“It’s important to me that people know their history, especially women’s history.”

39 INDIRA JOHNSON nonviolence through the arts and to use the processes of art to help people Indira Johnson Artist, Peace Activist understand that individual action is a Artist/sculptor Indira Johnson powerful force in developing a just and uses art, ritual and dialogue to unite Influenced by a mother who lasting peace. communities in hope and friendship. Born in Mumbai, India, Johnson was a social activist and an artist Shanti Foundation programs operate in received an undergraduate degree in father, I believe strongly that art and activism advertising design from Sir J.J. Institute are a powerful combination for social schools and communities in the Chicago area, helping participants discover the skills of Applied Art, and a Bachelor of Arts change. Growing up in Mumbai, India in English Literature from the necessary to think creatively about the involved childhood practices of collecting University of Mumbai in 1964. In donated eggs and milk for conflict that surrounds 1967, Johnson received a Master of them in their school tuberculosis patients and “I find it spiritually Fine Arts from The School of the Art neighborhoods and the Institute of Chicago. In 1993, in participating in education satisfying to help programs designed to help larger world. I find it response to ethnic violence in the disadvantaged groups eradicate leprosy. These disadvantaged groups spiritually satisfying to help world, Johnson started the Shanti childhood experiences find a voice.” disadvantaged groups find Foundation for Peace, whose mission is to use the processes of art to help helped develop my passion a voice. This has been my motivation in designing people understand that their for making art a part of everyday life and individual action can make a difference for involving children and families in the art community art projects like “Voices of Shakti; Pain, Struggle, Courage,” a in the world. process, thus building community. Johnson is a founding board collaborative project with women from member of Marketplace: Handwork My father was a follower of Mahatma Apna Ghar (Our Home) Inc,. a domestic of India, an organization that provides Gandhi. He wrote and illustrated a book violence shelter in Chicago. Other employment opportunities for women about the life of Gandhi and was always community art projects have involved and persons with disabilities in India. telling us stories about the nonviolent children affected by leprosy and low- She returns there every year to work strategies Gandhi used in order to achieve income women from Golibar, Mumbai, for Marketplace in the Golibar slum his goals. My mom taught us point of view and literacy groups in Providence, Rhode of Mumbai. Johnson uses South Asian and critical analysis at a very early age. I Island. folk art traditions in her community later realized how important those concepts projects as their concepts of sacred I hope to continue to work in the space, the transitory nature of all life are to living a creative nonviolent life. In community to help people discover and honoring community coincide 1993, in response to the rise of ethnic through art and ritual their own power with her own creative vision. Her violence the world over, I rallied the support and spiritual potential as individuals and as work has been exhibited nationally and of neighbors and friends and founded Shanti part of the human continuum. internationally and she has received Foundation for Peace, based on these many distinguished awards, including concepts. Our mission is to promote Interviewer: April Kunze the Governor’s Award for the Arts. 40 Indira Johnson watches with interest as a group learns to create a rangoli using natural materials

Indira Johnson’s installation includes banners and cards made for the Shanti Foundation for Peace

41 EVA MADDOX theory and practice, between disciplines, between the haves and the have-nots. Eva Maddox Designer There are too many tensions between departments in most design schools, for Designer Eva Maddox is the instance. At Archeworks we formed president and chief creative strategist of Eva Maddox Associates, Inc., established In 1993 I was working with a colleague, interdisciplinary teams who work on a specific problem, like a more attractive in Chicago in 1975. She is also the co- Stanley Tigerman, on a project to revive founder of Archeworks, an alternative head pointer for cerebral palsy patients, the lakefront in Muskegon, Michigan. The architectural design school that seeks to city manager sort of offhandedly suggested to help them communicate better. The design systems for those most in need. that we should open a team on that project Graduate of the interior design program school to teach the kind of included a nurse, a former of the University of Cincinnati in 1966, community involvement “I’ve always shoe designer for Nike, Maddox co-founded Archeworks in that we were soliciting. On been concerned and a recent architectural 1994 with famed architect Stanley the way back to Chicago, we with breaking graduate. The designer Tigerman in the hopes that the school’s students would obtain the knowledge decided to do just that. knew of a lightweight down barriers.” metal composite, the and skills to create positive solutions for social needs. Archeworks opened in 1994 architecture student figured out the best construction pattern Maddox has been described as with the mission to provide an alternative, “that rare breed of truly innovative for the bands that would hold the pointer multidisciplinary education to a dozen designers, one who brings fresh ideas to students, one year at a time. We put them to the person’s head, and the nurse helped just about every situation every time, to work on projects for nonprofit and in testing the product on patients. Within addressing and resolving specific needs other organizations that wouldn’t have a year, the pointer was in production and always.” She serves on numerous boards the funds to acquire good design talent has become an industry standard. in addition to her own firm and for worthy projects—like making furniture Archeworks, including the University of for disabled people living in single-room- The designer needs to keep in mind the Cincinnati, The University of Nebraska, and Woodbury University. She is also occupancy buildings, or designing people for whom it’s being done. Our real customers are our customers’ involved with the International Women’s pillboxes for the numerous medications Forum, the Chicago Network, and the that AIDS patients must take. At customers. If you don’t keep those people in mind—ask for their input—then you Architectural Society of the Art Institute Archeworks we think it’s the people with of Chicago, among others. probably won’t be able to improve their little money who are in need of the best Maddox was inducted into the design. lives through your work. Design shapes Interior Design Hall of Fame in 1992, the way we live. So it ought to serve among many other awards that she has I’ve always been concerned with breaking everyone. received for her work. down barriers. There are too many in the field of design, barriers between Interviewer: Mary Nolan 42 Archeworks, the socially conscious design school Eva Maddox co- founded with Stanley Tigerman, served as the host site for Women Alive! A Legacy of Social Justice.

43 AURIE PENNICK better place for them, as my mom had done for me. Aurie Pennick Attorney Fair housing advocate I always question whether I took the right Aurie Pennick is the President and paths, but I don’t know who I’d be if I Chief Executive Officer of the As a woman, I think I really got involved in had made different choices. There were Leadership Council for Metro- things through my mother, who was a single lots of things that made me think, “I have politan Open Communities. . As mom. I saw her do to do more than head of the Leadership Council, a lot of things that just complain.” I she has administered the other kids my age really felt that Gautreaux Assisted Housing Pro- had their fathers do. now is the time to gram for five years, which has It was a different “I really felt like now is do more. So I successfully placed more than lens. So I guess I the time to do more. So I looked looked for jobs 7,000 people in Section 8 hous- ing. always had a sense of for jobs that allowed me to that allowed me for jobs that allowed me to Pennick graduated from being different, just make a difference.” to make a the University of Illnois, the John from my life difference. Marshall Law School in Chicago experiences, and it in 1986, and has taught fair hous- just grew. My Lutheran ing law at the Depaul University church was where I got started, and that School for New Learning. The piece that means the most to me in my really got me connected. There I got She has held a variety of life is the afghan that my mother made when involved in the campaign for Anna positions, including working as I first got married and was expecting my first Langford, the first African-American found executive director of the child. I’ve also selected a hand-made quilt woman in Chicago’s City Council. It was Chicago Abused Women Coali- with the theme “These shoes are there that I could really see the difference tion, assistant director for special grants at the John D. and made for walking,” which I in empowering a group of people. Catherine T. MacArthur Founda- love because it represents tion, and appointed member (by beautiful shoes and the My mother used to say that you play the Richard M. Daley in 1995) to the various places where I’ve cards you’re dealt. I was probably not Chicago Low Income Housing worked. dealt a very good hand, but I sat at the Trust. table and turned what could have been a She is currently working The picture represents the three generations losing hand into pretty much of a winner. on writing her first murder mys- of my immediate family, my mom, myself, tery novel. and my two daughters. It has always been an Interviewer: Yasmeen Basheeruddin inspiration for me—to leave the world a

44 “These shoes were made for walking. They represent the various places I’ve worked.”

45 SYLVIA identity as a Mexican and American Sylvia Puente in society. Although this challenge PUENTE guided my work, questions and Sylvia Puente serves as a Project personal doubt remained. The missing Director for the Institute for Latino Studies at Latina Activist/ piece in my life as a social and political the University of Notre Dame, where she directs community research and promotes activist was my spiritual being. For Bridge Builder community capacity building. Previously, she many years I was lost without it. served as New Community Initiatives Director As I wrap my rebozo (shawl) around for The Resurrection Project (TRP). In this my shoulders, the At this point in capacity, she developed community programs beauty and texture my life, I have in the areas of health, education, and economic vitalizes my spirit. “My “success “ is not surrendered development to complement TRP’s award Woven by the strong, about me but about how, myself to God/ winning New Homes for Chicago and Rental soft hands of women, through triumphs and Creator and Rehab development projects. She joined TRP my rebozo allows me after eight years at the Latino Institute both as differences, I am being embraced my to feel embraced by the role as both the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, struggles of our people made useful by God.” Mexican and and Director of Research. Ms. Puente has a strong commitment and compelled to raise American to to civic leadership, She has served on more my voice. My voice sounds out the new serve as a catalyst. I have learned a than 15 boards and committees and currently paradigms of community-driven new definition of “humble” and have serves on the board of the Chicago Foundation opportunity and success. released my frustrations. Humility calls for Women, the leadership circle of the all of us to unite our social, political, National Network for Women in Community My rebozo connects me to a and spiritual identities to shine forth Development, and is founding board member consciousness of being linked to the God’s love by living out the gifts we of Circulo de Liderazco Familiar (Circle of elements of Mother Earth and Father were given to the fullest extent in the Family Leadership). She also served on the Sky and of how those elements—earth, service of others. As the graces of my board of Mujeres Latinas en Accion for eight air, fire, and water—are a model of how gifts have built bridges in the Latino years. I as a leader serve a purpose in a natural community, our gifts collectively will At age thirteen, Sylvia marched in a picket line in support of the United Farm plan. It is a lesson I carry each day create the bridge to the Kingdom here Workers, introduced by her mother into a life through my rebozo, because it has not on earth. of community activism. As the first in her always been with me. family to graduate from college, Ms. Puente Interviewer: Angela Anderson received her B.A. from the University of The experiences and relationships in my Illinois at Urbana, attended Harvard life have demonstrated my ability and University, and received her M.A. from the intellect as a leader but have also University of Chicago in Public Policy Studies. brought the challenge to confront my 46 47 HEDY M. RATNER are what provide the true, driving, Chicago beat for my life. Hedy Ratner Feminist Activist When Carol Dougal and I co-founded the Women’s rights advocate and activist Hedy Ratner is co-founder and co- Women’s Business Development Center in President of the Women’s Business 1986, I knew that was where I’d be Development Center, the largest, oldest, I love Chicago. To me, it’s the center of spending my days—and a lot of my and most comprehensive women’s culture, business, and aggressive thinking. nights!—from then on. I’m proud to say business assistance center in the U.S. The What can be done here can’t be done that WBDC has now served more than Center has initiated and developed women’s business programs in fourteen anywhere else. 35,000 women, sites in six states. It provides counseling, Anyone with an helped develop training, financial, certification, and idea and a plan “It all starts with one person or a fourteen women’s procurement assistance for emerging and can create access group of people, motivated by business centers in six established women business owners and to the people states, and furthered advocacy on women’s economic love and caring and commitment. empowerment. who make the I hope you are one of those public policies and Ratner has received many difference and advocacy efforts that people.” distinguished appointments, including by make it happen. have added to the former President Clinton to the National empowerment of Women’s Business Council, by former I grew up with women and people of Illinois Governors Edgar and Ryan to the Illinois Women’s Business Ownership those feelings, which I learned from my color. Council and again by both Governors to parents. Immigrants from Eastern Europe, the Governor’s Commission on the Status they ran a grocery store at 47th and Indiana. I’m even happier to say that nationally, of Women in Illinois. One of my favorite experiences was spending women-owned businesses have grown Chicago Mayor Richard Daley time at the Blackstone Library when I was in from five percent of all small businesses to appointed Ratner as co-chairperson of the Women’s Health Task Force. She serves grammar school. Old and beautiful, it was over forty percent. So, maybe what can on a number of boards, including the the first library in the City. be done here can be done in other Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the places—but it all starts here. And it all starts Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, Chicago’s diversity and beauty thrill and with one person or a group of people, the Coalition for Equal Opportunity inspire me. I ride my bicycle everywhere, so motivated by love and caring and (founding member), the Alliance of Minority and Female Contractors I’m always in touch with the tapestry of life commitment. I hope you are one of those Association, and the National Council of that pulses through this great city. I’ve done people. Women’s Organizations. Ratner has been a lot of interesting things—I’ve served on honored by U.S.S.B.A., the National councils and boards for U.S. Presidents, Illinois Interviewer: Patricia Novick Association of Women Business Owners, governors, and Chicago mayors—but the the YWCA, and the Federation of Women Contractors. dreams and aspirations of everyday people 48 49 JAN SCHAKOWSKY Although I followed the lead of my mother, a brilliant teacher, and taught elementary Jan Schakowsky school after college, my real calling was as U. S. House of Congresswoman and con- an organizer. I worked for public interest Representatives sumer advocate Jan Schakowsky organizations and then, with the began her political career in 1969 My journey to the encouragement of women friends, I decided when she led the fight that put began in the grocery store in 1969. I was a to run for public office. I lost my first election freshness dates on supermarket young housewife in 1986 for the Cook products. A homemaker and mother of three, she became con- with two small County Board but ran a “ I am convinced that women will credible race and learned cerned about the quality of food children who she was feeding her own children wanted to know help create a nation more how much I really loved hospitable to families and a world the act of campaigning. and thus launched her poltical ad- the age of the food vocacy campaign.. In 1990, I won a seat in I was buying for that is more peaceful and secure.” Prior to her election to Con- my family. At that the State Legislature gress, Schakowsky represented the time, expiration dates were disguised in representing Evanston and Rogers 18th District in the Illinois General undecipherable codes. I teamed up with a Park and served until 1998, when there was Assembly for eight years and served small group of women who were determined an opportunity to run for the United States as Democratic Floor Leader and as to force the grocery stores and the food Congress. Secretary of the Conference of industry to put freshness dates on their food. Women Legislators. She was elected I have always been inspired by women who to represent Illinois’ 9th Congres- We called ourselves National Consumers have taken risks and ultimately achieved sional district in 1998 and now United, all six of us. After two years of store positions of power. I hope that I too can be serves in the House Democratic “inspections,” media appearances, and the an inspiration to women who are thinking Leadership team as Chief Deputy publication and sale of 25,000 of our NCU about a political career. I am convinced that Whip, and as a member of the En- Codebooks, freshness dates began appearing women will help create a nation more ergy and Commerce Committee. on food products and now are nearly hospitable to families and a world that is Her top priority in Con- universal. more peaceful and secure. gress is universal health care. She is also dedicated to economic and so- That experience was so empowering and My advice to a young person is to find cial justice, ending violence against exhilarating that itchanged my life. I was something in your life that you really care women, improving public educa- transformed from an ordinary housewife to— about, that you are willing to fight for, about tion, serving housing needs espe- cially of low income people, ex- an ordinary housewife who could make a which you are passionate. Passion moves the panding hate crime laws and pro- difference in the world. That is how I see world; it is contagious. Fighting for something that is important makes you tecting women’s reproductive myself today. When I talk to girls and young rights. women, what I want them to come away stronger, even though you won’t always win. thinking is, “If she can do it, so can I.” Interviewer: Meredith Mann 50 Congresswoman and consumer advocate Jan Schakowsky began her political career in 1969 when she led the fight that put freshness dates on products sold in the supermarket.

51 DIANN DE WEESE SMITH Diann DeWeese Smith Rights Activist Diann DeWeese Smith was born in 1927, and has lived mostly within the Midwest. She has begin the Loop Center, a place where been an organizer of women throughout her life It’s not about me and women could come to find solutions — from founding a Girl’s Athletic Association what I’ve done. It’s about us and the to any of their problems. It was a safe “so we could use the ‘boys gym’ in high school”, things we’ve done. I’ve surrounded house for women all over the city of to organizing powerful working women in the myself with Chicago and our Chicago area who trade business information amazing wrecking ball within the Chicago Network. When her son and women; against the walls daughter were in high school, Scott Foresman brilliant “As an individual who could of injustice. Joan recruited her to throw out “Dick and Jane” and women who recognize these issues, I felt recognized the provide relevant reading material for children of all backgrounds. are motivated ability in people a personal responsibility to First as a board member, then as director, to work in a and capable help bring forth change” she helped develop Rearing Children of Goodwill and realize businesslike, Workshops with the National Conference of that the walls efficient manner Christians and Jews. Together they trained 11,000 of inequality need to be broken. that allowed great steps to be taken workshop volunteers to fight racism in Chicago. in short periods of time. This way of By 1969 it was clear that women’s’ needs I’ve always believed in the abilities of work was the only way that I would had to be met. Diann was hired to create Loop women, and I believe I have a be involved in the project. Center YWCA. The new center grew from scratch responsibility to fix what needs fixing. to an attendance of 300 people a day, six days a A system where women are physically I’ve found great excitement in being week. Innumerable women’s groups were created thrown off of running paths, denied a part of this. We’ve crumbled walls there and interacted with one another. Women treatment for rape, and financially and changed the face of Chicago. I professionals were recruited to donate help for women without means or expertise. That activity discriminated against needs fixing. As love knowing that we can do this— influenced other progressive YWCA centers an individual who could recognize make such a difference. I’ve been these issues, I felt a personal throughout the US and Canada. blessed to have access to people with Nine years later Diann became an officer responsibility to help bring forth such abilities. It is a special kind of of the South Shore Bank which was dedicated to change. As a woman who believes in friendship that forms when you are investing in Black communities. She moved to equality, I have always had self-interest working with such amazing, capable Mount Sinai Hospital five years later as Vice in the field of social justice. women. President of Development and Communications — and whatever else she could be to that Chicago Luckily, I met a no-nonsense woman neighborhood. She retired from full time work named Joan Brown who, in when she was 70 years old. collaboration with the YWCA, helped Interviewer: Megan Kloc 52 “Let’s face it; I am a women’s organizer!”

53 ALAKA WALI injustice. They do so with a whole lot of creativity. Alaka Wali Activist Anthropologist As an anthropologist, I have been privileged to Dr. Alaka Wali joined the Field Museum in 1995 as the John Nuveen Curator in visit with people from Anthropology and Director of the Center for My interest in social justice began when I different cultures and to Cultural Understanding and Change. Born in was 11, growing up during the civil unrest experience a completely different way of India, she received her B.A. from Radcliffe College and Ph.D. from Columbia University. of the 1960s. We were a nontraditional being. I have seen that we don’t have to take as “normal” the value system we live She served on the Faculty of Anthropology at Indian family; my parents broke caste rules the University of Maryland from 1987-1995. by marrying, and my mom got a Master’s under in the U.S. Among the Kuna of Between 1993-1997, Dr. Wali was Senior in math and physics and a PhD in Panama, I met so many strong, confident Ethnographer on the Harlem Birth Right Project linguistics. They women, so comfortable in of the New York Urban League. As Director of the CCUC, Dr. Wali is didn’t subscribe their multiple roles as mothers, thinkers, leaders. responsible for coordination of programs to the idea of “ I firmly believe we will designed to enhance interdisciplinary work at mutually rise up to change the It’s this experience of the Museum, strengthen public programming exclusive world order, women and difference that is my on cultural issues, and promote efforts to link roles—stay at inspiration and source of the Museum closer to the Chicago community. men together.” optimism. She serves as content specialist and and/or home or work. curatorial liaison for most of the exhibits on Social justice is intangible contemporary culture. Dr. Wali also works Education has closely with the museum’s office of played a major role in my life: not for and a long-term process. In this instant- Environmental and Conservation Programs to the sake of it alone but to have power to gratification world, it’s difficult to get integrate social and cultural components of help people understand the world and people to think long term and put energy community-based conservation efforts. Dr. Wali’s recent publications include build an interest in changing it for the behind causes. Why is no one questioning why male and female roles have to be so Stress and Resilience: The Social Context of better. Studying as an anthropologist, I Reproduction in Central Harlem, Final Report learned to respect religion and its role in defined? Some preach moralistic families of the Study on the Social Impact of the Informal society. Our family was more spiritual and value systems but thrive on making Arts, and New Methodologies for than religious. I studied in Panama with a money, profit over all else, leaving us with Interdisciplinary Research and Action in an Urban Ecosystem in Chicago. Dr. Wali is a Jesuit priest who became a friend, and a deeply contradictory system where we cannot value family truly. As we member of the U.S. National Committee for my perspective broadened. the International Union of Anthropological and experience this contradiction, I firmly Ethnological Sciences. She serves on the Social science and anthropology provide believe we will rise up to change the advisory boards for the High Jump Program a framework for thinking systematically world order, women and men together. for Talented Minority Youth, Imagine Chicago, about conditions of inequality and how and The Latin School. people constantly try to work against Interviewer: Jen Moore 54 Alaka Wali and installation partner--honoree Indira Johnson.

Drawers in her exhibit are full of inspiring Chicagoans, mentors, words to live by and actions.

55 BERNARDA to help build community through working with the community. Since 1978, CASL has Bernarda Wong “BERNIE” WONG grown to become the largest and most Bernarda Wong, ACSW, comprehensive bilingual social service agency president of the Chinese American Dynamic Advocate in the Midwest dedicated to serving the needs Service League (CASL), holds an of Chinese Americans. have built the agency M.S.W. from Washington University I am one of ten founders of the Chinese to a current annual budget of $5.8 million, and a B.A. from Briar Cliff College. American Service League supporting CASL’s For over thirty-three years, she has (CASL), located in the diverse worked in the social service arena. Chinatown area of the “ I believe that a community programming In July 2000 she took on the newly- created position of CASL President. Near South side. I always has potential; people need with nearly 200 staff members. She has guided staff and agency ex- realized early on that I first to trust each other, and then The roots of this pansion from a desk in a dentist’s wanted to inspire those office, to a five-site, $5.2 million good things will happen.” determination around me to achieve agency employing over 190 their goals, especially and success lie in people, serving over 14,000 yearly. when that involves underprivileged my practical Catholic faith, my mother’s Bernarda Wong is univer- communities. I believe that a community teaching, and in the symbol of a crane—a sally lauded as a leader in the Asian always has potential; people need first to creature of long life and resiliency. As I community both in Chicago and trust each other, and then good things will recently faced the uncertainties of cancer, nationwide: she chaired the Chicago happen. the staying power that the crane symbolizes Mayor’s Advisory Council on Asian took on new meaning for me spiritually. The Affairs both under Mayor Harold My second job after graduating with a crane also represents my Washington and the current Mayor Richard M. Daley, and was the first Master’s in social work landed me in Ford dream for CASL’s legacy: Asian appointed to the Boards of like the crane, I hope that Heights, where I put my theory of trust into United Way of Chicago and the practice. After several months of my CASL will enjoy a long Chicago Public Library, satisfying their questions and tasting (with healthy life, and will soar Recognizing the agency’s delight) their ethnic dishes, the residents— into the future, where the achievements under Bernarda young and old—eventually embraced me sky is the limit. Wong, the United Way/Crusade of as a genuine partner in their aspirations, and Mercy has bestowed upon CASL two an advocate for Chicago’s minority Nobody says “no” to Bernarda Wong—and major awards, the Executive of the communities. I am grateful to everyone who has worked Year Award and the Triennial Evalu- with me to help meet the needs of others. ation Excellence Award, making I then set my sights on Chicago’s Chinatown, CASL the only agency in again patiently sipping tea and building trust Interviewer: April Kunze Chicagoland to receive both major among the leadership. One of my goals was awards . 56 The crane is a symbol of long life and resilience. “It represents my dream for CASL’s legacy.”

57 ADDIE WYATT Rev. Addie Wyatt Rev. Addie Wyatt is renowned most PASTOR, EMERITA, notably for her work in the labor, civil rights VERNON PARK CHURCH OF GOD and women’s movements. She is considered one of the nation’s foremost labor leaders, and I came from a very rich family; we just someone bigger to help me. was the first female local union president of the didn’t have any money. When I was about United Packinghouse Food and Allied Workers. In 1941, she began working for the Amalgamated five years old, I asked my mother, “Why The struggle for freedom and justice is not won. The struggle is Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North do we have to want and long for things America and became that organization’s first and can’t have them?” And she said, “Life continuous. But there are so many female Vice President.She served as director of can be things in life that are better because the women’s affairs and human rights better, people decided to do something departments in the Amalgamated Meat Cutters union and was appointed by Eleanor Roosevelt Addie, together, rather than sparring against “ Let there be peace each other. We’ve got to try to to serve on the Labor Legislation Committee of but the Commission on the Status of Women. on earth, and let it you’ll understand each other, unite our Along with her husband, Dr. Claude begin with me.” have hearts and minds. It is my prayer Wyatt, Jr., Wyatt founded the Wyatt Choral to help that younger people will settle for Ensemble in 1944. Eleven years later, she was ordained and began working closely with Martin make nothing less than a better life, setting aside everything that creates Luther King ,Jr. on civil rights. She helped found it so.” I’ve tried to do that in the church, Operation Breadbasket and serves on the board the union, the women’s movement, the destruction and asking God for peace. of Operation PUSH (People United to Serve civil rights movement, and the peace Let there be peace on earth, and let Humanity). movement. My commitment is to make it begin with me. In 1974, Wyatt helped found the Coalition of Labor Union Women. In addition, life better for myself, my family, and all Interviewer: Katrina Pavlik Wyatt was a founding member of the National people. Organization for Women and a leader in the struggle for the Equal Rights Amendment. Wyatt Faith in God helps me to do and love has received many honors, including being justice for myself and for others. There’s named one of Time Magazine’s Women of the Year in 1975, a similar award from The Ladies a passage in Philippians, “I can do all things Home Journal in 1977, and repeated recognition through Christ Jesus, which strengthens by Ebony magazine from 1980-1984 as one of me.” I could have given up many times, the 100 most influential black Americans. because it has been a difficult and lonely Currently, Wyatt serves as co-pastor of the Vernon road to walk. But my faith has encouraged Park Church of God along with her husband. Both helped to found the 1,000 member church, me to feel that, in spite of what I had to which is best known for its dedication to work face, I could face it, because there was with the homeless, senior citizens, and youth.

58 59 Women in the past demonstrate the Women make houses into possibilities for future generations. Even homes in ancient times, women played multiple roles as pioneers, nurturers, teachers, role models, In many societies, women communicators, and leaders. prepare food, make clothing, produce pottery, weave The Women Alive exhibit highlighted some baskets, flake stone tools, and of the early contributions of women to the fabricate beads and other societies of the New World, prepared by ornaments. In cultures that Donna Nash of the Field Museum (shown at practice small scale farming, far right). The Field Museum is currently anthopologists have found that developing a new permanent exhibition women are often the featuring the lives of Ancient Americans and managers of the house. the rich diversity that flourished in North, Central and South America. The roles of women in the Ancient Americas varied from region to region. Some primarily cared for the house, tended gardens, and collected wild resources; others Left: Many different kinds of plants partnered with their husbands became important staples in the diets and participated in activities of ancient Americans. Foods such as outside the home such as beans and squash produced large seeds agriculture and even warfare. that people could carry with them and plant in different environments. Many The activity universally anthropologists believe that women in associated with women is the their roles as gatherers were the first care of children. horticulturalists.

60 Above: Pueblo women communicated through the design motifs they chose to decorate their pottery. The designs were “written” in a negotiated language created to promote community solidarity and a shared dense of identity. Women acted as political or religious leaders in many societies of the Ancient Americas.

In ancient Maya glyphs, women were named as scribes and leaders. The conquistadors recorded that many groups, including those living in the southeast United States and coastal Peru, had female chiefs at the time of contact.

Right: There was an extensive pantheon of female deities throughout the Americas. These important goddesses were often served by female priestesses that held significant influence in their respective societies.

61 TUES. JUL 1 Panel Discussion: Sylvia TUES. JUL 29 Eva Maddox, Honoree, Special Events and Programs Puente, Iva Carruthers, Patricia Crowley, Aurie and Archeworks: “Creating Design Pennick, Honorees. “Integrating Your Solutions for Social Causes” Intellectual, Political and Spiritual Selves” The exhibition was envisioned from the SUN. AUG 3 Bliss Browne, Honoree and beginning as a venue to host public TUES. JUL 8 Jacky Grimshaw, Honoree, Imagine Chicago: “From Generation to programming around topics concerning and Jackie Kendall, Midwest Academy: Generation: Expanding Imagination about women, social justice, and spirituality. The “Community Organizing and Community Justice” Change” hope was that special events would also TUES. AUG 5 Bernarda Wong, SUN. JUL 13 “World Enough and Time” help attract visitors. Organizations were Honoree, “Chinese Culture 101”. Tai Qi, Zoe Keithley & friends. Poetry and Music. therefore invited to become exhibit co- calligraphy and traditional Chinese dance. sponsors and offered the opportunity to host a special event (at their own expense) TUES. JUL 15 Ronne Hartfield and Indira SUN. AUG 10 Center for Urban Johnson, Honorees: “Who Is My Neighbor? at the exhibition site. Interested committee Research and Learning, Loyola University, Building a Just Community Through Art” members, co-sponsors, and honorees Christine George: “How to Use Research to Empower” signed up for time slots on either a Sunday SAT. JUL 19 Round Table with Josie at 3:30 p.m. or Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. Disterhoft, Honoree: “Raising Children in a TUES. AUG 12 Marca Bristo, Honoree: Some Saturday programs were later added Just Society: Multicultural Perspectives” “Celebrating the ADA Anniversary: to the schedule. Disabled Women in Action” SUN. JUL 20 Pat Johnson and Older The special lectures, discussions, poetry, Women’s League: “OWLS on the Wing” TUES. AUG 19 Three music, and performances attracted a Performances from Working Women’s TUES. JUL 22 Bette Cerf Hill and Jean History Project: diverse and very interested public. They Hunt, Honorees: “Why So Few Tunes of • “Lucy Parsons: Rebel for Labor” provided an uncommon opportunity to Glory? Women and Self Worth” showcase women’s talents, discuss vital performed by Alma Washington. questions about public life, and to bring SAT. JUL 26 Panel Discussion, Ann Ida • “Agnes Nestor: The Thread that awareness to the distinctive ways women Gannon, BVM, honoree; Carolyn Farrell, Binds” written and performed by Mary BVM; and others: “Education and Activism: think about and advance social justice. Bonnet. The schedule included: Equality for Everyone” • “Alice Hamilton: Battling for TUES. JUN 24 Voices of Women, SUN. JUL 27 Mary Ann Johnson and Industrial Safety” with Mary Wehrle, Sue Dvora: “Memory Cloths” Chicago Area Women’s History Conference: Michelle Jacobson and David Rosenblatt. “Women Building Chicago 1790-1990: SAT. JUN 29 Patricia Novick: “Creating Pioneering in Social Justice” Other private events and receptions Your Own Sacred Space” were also hosted by honorees at the site by special arrangement

62 Patricia Novick shares with participants elements of creating sacred space Panelists convened by Disterhoft to discuss multicultural perspectives on raising children

A rangoli created by participants in the workshop Willie Barrow, her sister and members of Operation PUSH on Building a Just Community Through Art visit the Women Alive exhibition on August 23

63 FUNDING The cash budget for the project was about $40,000 with an equal amount of in-kind contributions. Funding was raised through three Many thanks to our principal sources. Primary and early funding came from $1000 dona- tions from each of the exhibition committee members, (who were major contributors! seen at garage sales, carpet stores and art studios working to fill the coffers) and from a private fundraising dinner. Additional major fund- ing came from local corporations, co-sponsoring organizations, and Chicago Foundation for Women foundations. A modest amount of income was raised through dona- Chicago Real Estate Women tions at the door (with a suggested amount of $5.) Driehaus Foundation Leo S. Guthman Trust In-kind donations were critically important, especially communication services -- video production, publicity and printing. A special word of Hull Family Foundation thanks here is due to Lighthearted Productions in Portland, Maine who Illinois Trade Association produced and donated the stunning video of the honorees and their OWL enthusiastic interviewers, which set a deeply inspiring tone for the exhi- ShoreBank Corporation bition. Illinois Trade Association donated significant barter credits which allowed us to use local merchants for most of our printing needs with The Exhibition Committee little cost to the project. Archeworks donated all the space, and were ever helpful hosts. Without their generosity, the exhibition would not Wini Scott (Executive Committee) have been possible. Pat Taylor (Finance) Sara Davenport (Marketing) STAFFING Cynthia Breunlin STAFFING Naomi Caspe The project began as an enthusiastic dream among friends. It soon Leticia Herrera became clear that it required professional tending. Mary Nolan and Delores Irvin Jean Hunt provided the tireless and superb organizing, cheerleading Mary Ann Johnson and editing support that got the project launched. Three young sum- Jackie Kendall mer interns -- Elizabeth Browne, Yasmeen Basheeruddin and Sukari Felicia Lyda Neblett-- were unflagging in their enthusiasm as resident site managers Mary Ann McDermott and biography researchers. Bliss Browne assumed the project manage- ment once the exhibition opened... an easy task given the unwavering support of the exhibition committee, honorees, and interns who ea- gerly and devotedly helped the exhibition thrive. 64 WITH SPECIAL THANKS FOR IN-KIND SERVICES TO ALL THE WONDERFUL INTERVIEWERS AND TO

The Site Archeworks and staff: Signs Kerl Lajeune, Molly Baltman, Cara Cantlebary, Booth Hansen Associates Stephanie Edwards Infophone Judith Disterhoft Carpentry David Medendorp, Shipshape Video Administrative Services Juanita Burris Video Lighthearted Productions Jerry Clarito Portland, Maine: Patsy Wiggins, Kathleen Coffee/Tea Starbucks Alfiero, Jane Honeck

Fundraising Lisa M. Dietlin and Associates, Inc. Website Kathy Raby Graphic Design Rebecca Armstrong Barbara Ciurej Design Malgorzata Zawislak, INSTALLATION PARTNERS Perkins & Will

Legal Mark T. Neil Hannah Bledstein for Mary Houghton Linda Boardman for Marca Bristo Opening Reception W. E. O’Neil Construction Cynthia Breunlin for Aurie Pennick Joan Cantwell for Pat & Patty Crowley Photography John Eatinger, Advocate Lutheran General Indira Johnson for Alaka Wali Evans, Carol Kyros Walker Marjorie Johnson for Willie Barrow Cory West, Barbara Rozgonyi Jackie Kendall for Jan Schakowsky Imagine Chicago, Bliss Browne Felicia Lyda for Iva Carruthers & Addie Wyatt Robbie Klein for Hedy Ratner Printing Illinois Trade Association, Patricia Novick for Sunny Fischer Jack Schacht Charity Piet for Jacky Grimshaw Impact USA, Adam Mrowka Grace Sielaff for Bernarda Wong Lee Tracy for Diann Deweese Smith Publicity/PR Katz Communications, Inc. Indira Johnson, Curator of the Exhibit

65 Closing Reflection: An Invitation to Expanding Connections

Women Alive! A Legacy of Social Justice was an exhibition generative and lessened the otherwise daunting challenge of and mentoring project designed to honor living Chicago social representing one’s life in the ordinary objects of everyday life justice pioneers and to catalyze intergenerational conversation in a space the size of a kitchen table. about social justice. What set Women Alive! in motion origi- nally was an interest in bringing greater recognition to women’s There was a remarkable spirit about this project from the public contributions. But the project soon found an even deeper beginning. The gathering on May 12 was, for many participants, purpose: to honor women activists for whom spirituality was a highlight of life in Chicago. It was so moving to several foundational to their work, whose public and private lives friends from Maine who were included in the evening that formed a seamless whole, and have them reflect publicly on they returned home and produced a remarkable videotape of their understanding of those connections. it. They generously donated the video to the exhibition, enabling visitors throughout the summer to share the hope The women honored were not, for the most part, unsung hero- that comes alive when generations connect through a common ines. Many had already received numerous awards. But this commitment to social justice. (Copies of the video are available opportunity was different. It was an invitation to do spiritual by contacting Lighthearted Productions, 884 Broadway, South work. Spirituality, at its heart, is that which deepens our connec- Portland, Maine 04106, phone: 207-799-4544.) tion to what gives life. The project invited us to reflect and to bring to creative public expression what animates and sustains Another set of inspiring connections happened at the exhibit’s our work on behalf of social justice. special events. Remarkably diverse audiences, women and men, gathered to participate in conversation, artistic expres- Even for activists who make reflection a habit, it was a rare and sion, celebration and learning. The conversations brought welcome occasion to gather into story, and share with a new together four or more generations, dozens of neighbor- generation, the very heart of what matters. Rev. Willie Barrow hoods, multiple cultures and races. In a city in which cul- said at the opening reception on May 12, when the prospective tures touch but don’t often connect, this was a welcome honorees and their interviewers first met at Archeworks, that and heartening experience. At the conversation on the ADA, this was “an answer to prayer.” She went on to say that God a participant noted, “what I’ve come to realize tonight is had consoled her with the knowledge that “we are not so much that we need to be talking more about our issues with oth- divided as we are disconnected.” The structure of the Women ers outside the disabled community. We have a lot to gain Alive! exhibition modeled the inner and outer connections the from coming together.” project was committed to expand. Life events and people got woven into stories. Our circle of friends grew to include the It is not surprising that response to the exhibition was so partners we were given along the way, young activists to prompt enthusiastic. People enjoyed seeing and celebrating women’s and “catch” our reflections, and artist companions to help de- contributions and distinctive forms of expression. The ex- sign and install our exhibits. Those relationships were deeply hibit was intimate and personal. (An observer quipped, “I 66 don’t think you’d see this many shoes and textiles if men What’s next in Chicago? were being honored…”) Multiple generations came alive in each other’s presence. The honorees were renewed by In Chicago, plans are being made and funding sought for several the energy and eagerness of another generation commit- next stage developments to extend the project impact: ted to expanding the frontiers of justice. Younger people, 1. Video creationcreation: Film is our society’s preferred media of hungry for storytelling; a well done video can be used to teach and inspire companions millions. We would like to produce a video showing honorees’ and role mod- visions and actions in context, (current film and archival footage) els, appreciated along with an interview about their spiritual practices, and the links the organized between faith/action. The live interviews would be conducted by forums and op- young adult interviewers. The video would be made available to portunities to schools, libraries and community organizations. Funding is needed. find mentors. 2. A monumental undertakingundertaking: One way of making women’s As one inter- Interviewers (from left) Morgan McDonald contributions to justice more visible is for communities to “take a Danita Patterson and Amanda Kreiss viewer put it, stand” for women who have “taken a stand” to expand the frontiers “this has been of justice in Chicago: Stands of trees (10 trees=one standstand) in targeted such an inspira- Chicago communities are proposed to be planted and dedicated as tional bridge for us. What a blessing to be nourished by living monuments to women who have been pioneers. Each cluster the passions and stories of women. What an answer to could be used as a venue for arts-based public exhibitions and so many prayers!” Young women, some for the first time, programming on topics of social change, renewal, women’s issues began reflecting about their own identities and distinctive and ecology. The clusters of trees with plaques describing the gifts as women. honored women, and related communal activities and rituals, will Constructive connections expand our imagination about create a different and more female experience of public the community to which we belong and are responsible. monuments—living, growing, connected—and literally help the city Social justice questions shared publicly increase the prob- breathe better. Year 1, beginning January 2004, will be devoted to ability of action on their behalf. Issues brought to con- building the partnerships, and gathering ideas for organizing the sciousness help change become more possible. The hon- project and having it locally owned within a broad-based orees’ commitment to weaving and expanding connec- collaboration of city-wide organizations. Local communities will be tions in ways that give life to the whole was compelling. selected on the basis of their willingness to do the local organizing The chance to share in their radiant presence was mov- to identify women to be honored, and local artists with whom to ing. May the spiritual richness and compassion these lives work, and to help design the community rituals and workshops to embody inspire us all to work even more urgently on engage the local community. Interested partners should contact behalf of those whom our society currently tolerates Bliss Browne 773-275-2520 or [email protected]. neglecting. Information will also be posted on Imagine Chicago’s website -- Bliss W. Browne 12/07/03 www.imaginechicago.org. 67 PROJECT SPONSOR : Alive, Ltd. www.aliveltd.org CO-SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS

Archeworks www.archeworks.org

Center for Urban Research and Learning, Loyola University Chicago www.luc.edu/depts/curl

Chicago Area Women’s History Conference

Chicago Foundation for Women www.cfw.org

Chicago Real Estate Women www.crewnetwork.org

Ecumenical Child Care Network www.eccn.org

Ann Ida Gannon BVM Center for Women and Leadership, Loyola University Chicago www.luc.edu/orgs

Imagine Chicago www.imaginechicago.org

Midwest Academy www.midwestacademy.com

Mujeres Latinas en Acción www.mujereslatinasenaccion.org

Older Women’s League http://wnkhome.northstarnet.org/owlill/

Voices of Women/Create AfricaSouth

Women’s Business Development Center www.wbdc.org

Working Women’s History Project www.workingwomen.homestead.com/home.html

68 National Connections

Women Alive! A Legacy of Social Justice raised hopes, deepened questions and insights and catalyzed numerous conversations about next steps. Ten other cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Dallas and Washington D.C. have already expressed interest in creating a similar project in their own communities. Those interested in doing so are encouraged to visit the project website www.aliveltd.org and/or contact Patricia Novick, the project national coordinator, at [email protected] or by phone at 773-525-4911.

We will be happy to make available to other communities whatever project documents, photographs or other materials would be helpful in your own efforts. We look forward to a conversation.

69