In Sisterhood: the Women’s Movement in Pittsburgh

Curated by Patricia M. Ulbrich, Ph.D. In Sisterhood: the Women’s Movement in Pittsburgh

Curated by Patricia M. Ulbrich, Ph.D.

Publication of this exhibition catalogue is supported in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts. and placards; the perseverance and courage of women and men

for equality and human dignity. Somewho put were themselves academics, at risksome to were fight

and some were laborers and home makers.involved Their in business stories and show finance, how the personal is still political. The exhibition serves to remind us that, although we are in a different historical period than In Sisterhood: that examined by the curator, the The Women’s Movement in Pittsburgh over. There is still work to be done. Curated by Patricia M Ulbrich, Ph.D Whenfight for the equal project rights is completed, is far from the Exhibition Guide, Introduction Darren Lee Miller, Gallery Director collection of oral histories, re- and Assistant Professor of Art corded on digital video to capture participants’ expressions as well In Sisterhood: The Women’s as their gestures, will be donated Movement in Pittsburgh is an oral to the University of Pittsburgh history and multimedia project Library Archive where they will be designed to promote a deeper available to scholars as well as the understanding and appreciation of general public. The traveling mul- this inspiring aspect of the re- timedia exhibit features a portrait gion’s history, and to highlight how gallery of the diverse group of local progress was achieved through the activists, videos about successful hard work and determination of a efforts to break down barriers to diverse group of local grassroots equality, period photos, buttons, activists. A related project, called placards, and other ephemera. BridgeBuilders, explores the syner- Patricia Ulbrich, Ph.D. is gistic nexus between the civil rights director and producer. She is a and women’s movements in Pitts- burgh during the 1960s and 1970s. student, and visiting scholar in In Sisterhood captures womenprogressive studies social at thescientist, University film aspects of the womens’ rights of Pittsburgh. For more than three movement that may have other- decades, Dr. Ulbrich’s research has wise gone unseen (or been forgot- focused women’s issues, including ten) in scholarly discourse: the how individuals’ race, class, and power of homegrown publications; gender shape their opportuni- the pursuasive power of buttons ties. She co-founded the Women and Girls Foundation of South- Megahan Galleries at Allegheny west Pennsylvania and serves on College present exhibitions and the board of Pittsburgh Action other visual arts programming Against Rape. Other team members for diverse audiences including include: Dino DiStefano, sound students, educators, emerging and recordist and documentary established artists, and other photographer; Mia Boccella Hartle, residents of northwestern videographer and editor; Two Girls Pennsylvania. Sponsored by the Working, multimedia artists; and College’s Art Department, gallery Jenny Wolsk Bain, webmaster. programs are designed to promote The essays and interviews active learning and inter- contained in this booklet were disciplinary exploration of the visual arts and culture. As Gallery my Spring 2012 Freshman Semi- Director, I encourage colleagues narwritten class, by Art first-year & Activism students. Like allin from across campus to collaborate second-semester Freshman Semi- on a curatorial vision that aligns nars, Art & Activism is a course in with the College’s curricular theme. persuasive writing and speak- I seek input from not only faculty ing, but with a focus on creative and alumni in my own department, interventions for social change. I but also those in the social and designed the course to investigate natural sciences, humanities, and current theory and practice as the student body. In Sisterhood was it relates to public, guerilla, and brought to my attention by alumna politically/socially based art works. Maggie Rich, an activist student Initial course work centered on who graduated in May 2011. exhibitions displayed at Allegheny The exhibition and this College (including this exhibition), publication were supported in part allowing students to experience by the Pennsylvania Council on the real activist artwork in a variety Arts, the Art Department of Allegh- of curated contexts. I worked with eny College, the Freshman Seminar the students to help them analyze Program at Allegheny College, the images and “read” visual texts, and Center for Political Participation at I gave them contextual tools to gain Allegheny College, and the Wom- access to the concepts in dense en’s Studies program at Allegheny visual materials and to articulate College. Exhibition of In Sisterhood: them in writing. Creating, design- The Women’s Movement in Pitts- ing, and publishing this catalogue burgh was part of the 2011-2012 represents an ambitious mid-term Year of Sustainable Communities project for my students, and was at Allegheny College, an annual followed by months of editing. curricular and co-curricular theme The Bowman~Penelec~ chaired by Dr. Elizabeth Ozorak. their hard work is currently re- ceiving its deserved recognition. A smiling close-up photograph of each featured member hangs in this exhibition, along with various artifacts and information from the feminist movement in the 1960’s and 70’s. The exhibition praises the individuals as pioneers who helped to shape the current land- scape of women’s roles in society and as activists who gathered, en- couraged, and inspired women in

voices and to use them for social change.the Pittsburgh region to find their Each member has had per- sonal experience with some type of discrimination that inspired his or her involvement in NOW. Phyl- Phyllis Whetherby discrimination in matters involving Pioneers of Pittsburgh genderlis Wetherby and employment. felt the first stingIn 1952 of she worked for the US Steel Corpo- Haley Lynch ’15 and Julie Smith ’15 ration where she found that only her male coworkers were being When World War II ended, promoted. She threatened to quit women were encouraged to return to their domestic roles as house- civil suit by giving her the new title wives after temporarily taking posi- ofand research they deterred engineer. her She from gathered filing a tions as breadwinners while the knowledge from feminist literature, men were at war. After experienc- which inspired her to join the Pitts- ing such power and equality, some burgh chapter of NOW in 1968. In women were not pleased to return 1972 she was elected president of her local chapter. More recently, she response, a group of advocates has maintained an activist view- to their gender-defined roles. In formed the National Organization point on many controversial topics, for Women, or NOW. They fought such as the environment (Bryant). during a time when feminism was Similar to Wetherby, Cindy not widely popular and was not Judd Hill experienced discrimina- well received by the public, but tion in the workplace. She was a music teacher in Pittsburgh and of creativity in the feminist move- - ment when she became the chair- tion because she had a baby while woman of fundraising for the Wild shewas wasfired on from sabbatical her teaching earning posi a Sisters Coffee House, which was master’s degree. Ms. Hill sued the dedicated to presenting feminist Chartier’s Valley School District artists. Before this unique en- for discrimination. Both NOW and deavor, she was on the Chancellor’s the Pennsylvania Teacher’s As- Advisory Committee on Women at sociation supported her lawsuit. the University of Pittsburgh. She In August 1968, Judge Benjamin also participated in the Duquesne Lencher ruled that Chartier’s Valley Women Law Students Association. School District reinstate Ms. Hill She was Allegheny County’s Assis- for the full term. As a result of this tant District Attorney from 1977 to precedent, teachers’ unions added 1980, and then became the Attor- language to teachers’ contracts ob- ney-at-Law. Her primary work was ligating schools to retain a woman processing rape cases: “attorney in the same slot and pay scale when Ann Begler, a pivotal force behind she returns after pregnancy. After privacy rights for rape victims the ordeal, Hill became an active (Shaw).” member of NOW and worked with Barbara Hafer is pictured the other women to promote the smiling, but not looking directly at Equal Rights Amendment. Hill is a the camera. Instead she is looking dancer and performer, and she cur- up and to the right, with a gener- rently provides entertainment as a service to less able elderly women. Like Belger, Hafer focused on ac- At age 67, she won the Ms. Na- cessously to filled heath bookshelf care for women,behind her. with tional Senior Citizen Pageant and a special interest in helping rape declared herself to be breaking the victims. She grew up in poverty, stereotype of older women, who and Hafer’s single mother taught according to her are “very vibrant.” her to be a hard worker. As a public She performs for civic organiza- health nurse, she was motivated to tions and senior citizen homes, and work against the poverty, malnutri- encourages all women to be policy- tion and abuse that she saw while makers and leaders (Corbin). working. This led her to become The photo of Ann Begler involved in the women’s movement shows her sitting, relaxed with a in 1972. She joined the South Hills welcoming smile. Her right hand, chapter of NOW and the Pittsburgh with an oxidized silver ring on one chapter of the Women’s Political Caucus is looking directly into the camera. executive director of Pittsburgh Ac- Likefinger, Hill, supports Begler hersupported chin and the she use tion Against. She thenRape became (PAAR) thein 1974, first and soon after founded the came a member of South Hills NOW, MonYough/ Allegheny Rape Crisis and was co-founder and board Center, which is now known as member of the Thomas Merton the Center for Victims of Violent Center. The mission statement of Crimes (Hafer). Through her work the center follows: in public health and crime victim’s “T.M.C. works to build a con- services, she realized that the true sciousness of values and to power and ability to create change raise the moral questions in- was in the hands of the people who volved in the issues of war, poverty, racism, classism, eco- control the public’s money, politi- nomic justice, oppression and cians. environmental justice (Thom- In order to affect the as Merton Center).” change she dreamed of, Hafer Rush was also a delegate to the found herself running for politi- National Women’s Conference. She found that participating in the County Commissioner in 1979, but movement increased the feeling of cal office. She lost the election for immediately began preparations self-worth in women. for her next campaign. In 1983, she Cynthia Vanda stands in - front of a green textured back- missioner of Allegheny County and ground, possibly outdoors, in a was elected the first female Com was reelected in 1987. After gain- blue crew neck shirt. She is smiling ing experience in state politics, she and looking into the camera. She was elected as State Auditor Gen- has glasses on top of her head and eral in 1992 and was elected State wears a simple iridescent black Treasurer in 1997. She states in the pendant on a silver chain around exhibition video that, “The feminist her neck. Throughout her years movement gave me an opportunity working at the University of Pitts- to be able to do what I wanted to do burgh she was startled to see that and step into a leadership position.” there were no women’s centers in Molly Rush is pictured in the area, so she and other women a room with shelves in the back- at the University started one. Vanda ground, not looking directly into became the Director of The Wom- the camera, but smiling and gaz- en’s Center, and later was Assistant ing to the right of the frame. Like to the Provost on Women’s Issues. Hafer, who was driven to help those After that, she became Director of in less fortunate circumstances, Continuing Education. During her Rush was passionate about helping years at the university, she was women on welfare. She saw that a board member for the group, women on public assistance were Women of the Urban Crisis. During not receiving the help they needed the last years of her time at the uni- to support their families. She be- versity, she was the President of the continued to advocate a pro-choice Three Rivers Community Fund (now standpoint for the rest of her life. Foundation) until 1998. The goal Without much success, she tried of T.R.C.F. is “to invest in activist, to run for Pittsburgh City Council grassroots organizations working in 1971 and tried to draft a home to bridge divisions in society (TRCF rule charter for Allegheny County. Website).“ Jo Ann Evansgardner was interested in studying women and inShe the fiercely face when opposed he told sexism, her to, and their societal roles, despite discour- “getin 1974 back slapped in the kitchen a county where official you agement from the people in her community. She graduated from the of the Association for Women in University of Pittsburgh in 1950 Psychologybelong.” She. She was fought the first for president fair psy- and lived with her husband Gerry chology research that, prior to her Gardner in Ireland, where she efforts, was completely based on continued to dream of education, male studies. The couple reinstated - a NOW chapter in Houston Texas in ate in psychology. In 1965 she the 1980’s and maintained activist earnedspecifically a Ph.D. earning from herthe doctorUniversity roles through their remaining years of Pittsburgh, but she believes she (Rogers). lost job opportunities to several Irene Frieze sits in her uni- male classmates because of her gender. Her husband, who was a on the wall in the background. geophysicist, empathized with her Herversity blue office, eyes withare gazing framed upward awards frustration and helped her create through her bifocal glasses, looking away from the camera. Her right studies curriculums. They contin- uedone ofto thework nation’s together, first focusing women’s on lip in a pensive pose. She shares and advocating for women’s rights. Evansgardner’shand is up, her finger special below interest her in Together they sued The Pittsburgh women’s psychology and has been Press, which brought an end to interested in women’s issues from a discriminatory job ads. Both hus- very young age. Her mother greatly band and wife were co-presidents of First Pittsburgh NOW, a chapter and to live life to the fullest (MacK- of the National Organization for ay).influenced With her her Ph.D. desire in toPsychol succeed- Women. Jo Ann was on NOW’s ogy, Frieze is a professor in both national board and helped found Women Studies and Psychology at the National Women’s Political the University of Pittsburgh. At the Caucuses. She protested for abor- university, she developed the aca- tion rights at the Vatican Embassy demic program for Women Studies in Washington D.C. in 1975 and and set up awards and scholarships for students in the program (MacK- African Americans. She was asked ay). Frieze sets a high standard for to join NOW, but she initially said students and challenges them to no because she felt she was already “carry forward a socially-engaged - psychology (MacKay).” nation; but eventually, Ms. Speed Brenda Frazier is pictured Foxfighting decided the battlegender of discrimination race discrimi sitting in front of an interior brick was an equally important issue and wall with a potted plant beside joined the feminist movement. Her it. She is smiling in her tan sport obvious passion for women’s rights jacket and her sparkling brown landed her positions of convener eyes gaze directly into the camera. and President of the East Hills NOW Although Frieze was sure about chapter, Co-Chair of the Governor’s her involvement in the feminist Commission of the Status of Women, movement from the very beginning, and member of the national board Frazier was initially wary of joining of NOW. She served as a Penn- N.O.W. because she felt women of sylvania delegate to the National color were not well represented in Women’s Conference in 1978. In the movement at that time. Frazier 2007, she received the Wilma Scott Heide Pioneer Feminist Award from - the Pennsylvania chapter of NOW ism,did not so shewant brought to abandon them her together fight for her pioneering work to advance andagainst started racism East in End order NOW to fight, another sex equal rights for both African Ameri- chapter of the National Organiza- cans and women (Fuoco). tion for Women in Pennsylvania We see Kathy Wilson in that required co-presidents, one black and one white. Eventually, curtains in the background. She is she became very involved and held wearinga darker aroom light with blue, flowers embroidered, and many leadership positions with button-up blouse with a collar, NOW. and she is genuinely smiling and Alma Speed Fox also looking though her glasses directly needed a little bit of persuading to at the camera. Like Frieze and Fox, join in the women’s movement. She she only joined NOW after some moved to Pittsburgh in 1949 after initial hesitation. She started by her second marriage, and served as participating and assisting in the the executive director of the Na- organization of the Pennsylvania tional Association for the Advance- Women’s Political Caucus, and ment of Colored People (NAACP) eventually moved on to become a from 1966 to 1971. She organized a member and one-term President major demonstration against Sears of First Pittsburgh NOW. She later joined East End NOW, where she access to jobs and lines of credit for served as co-President. and Roebuck in 1968, fighting for Violence Against Women Act, Free- women were Anita Fine and Jeanne dom of Access to Clinic Entrances Clark. FineTwo joined other NOW influential with the Act, and the Civil Rights Act of hope of promoting equal rights 1991. She served three terms as the and is currently an active member. President of NOW and led the drive Jeanne Clark started the Alle-Kiski for the Equal Rights Amendment. Chapter of NOW, and is currently Later, Smeal took up the President of Squirrel Hill NOW. She campaign for abortion rights and has more than 25 years of experi- ence in the media industry with rights march in 1986, drawing fundraising and grassroots orga- moreled the than first 100,000 national participants abortion nizing skills. She was the National to Washington, D.C. She developed Press Secretary for NOW, where the National Clinic Access Project she coordinated press outreach and and helped keep women’s health coverage for nearly all major Wash- care centers open. In 1997, Smeal ington D.C. marches for women’s took her passion to a global level, rights, civil rights, labor unions, launching the international Cam- and gay rights from 1986 – 2004. paign to Stop Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan. This was in response Anthony, Stanton, and Gage, a po- to what she saw as the Taliban’s She was Chief Operating Officer for abuse of women, which included as Pennsylvania Media Coordinator edicts that banished women from forlitical the consulting Safe Energy firm, Communication and served the work force, closed schools to Council during Pennsylvania’s tran- girls, prohibited women from leav- sition to electricity deregulation ing their homes unless accompa- nied by a close male relative, and Also leaving her activist forced women to wear the burqa footprint(“Our Staff in and Washington Offices”). D.C., El- (“Feminist Majority Foundation”). eanor Smeal was praised as one of Doreen Boyce, looking very well kept in her blue suit and pearl lobbyists in U.S. News and World earrings, smiles while gazing into Reportthe six .most Smeal influential was involved Washington in every the camera while sitting in front of major feminist movement from an ornate painting. She was a Pro- the integration of Little League, fessor at Chatham University from eliminating sexist newspaper 1963 to 1974. During that time she help-wanted ads, allowing women was also the Provost and Dean of the Faculty. While at Chatham, she passage several landmark pieces of decided to contact major corpo- legislation,to serve as policeincluding officers, the Pregnancy and the rations and institutions to scope Discrimination Act, Equal Credit out women in leading positions. Act, Civil Rights Restoration Act, She invited them all to a lunch at Chatham and realized that none of them knew each other. It amazed her that such powerful women were not aware of one another, so she founded the Executive Women’s Council in 1974. Anya Sostek, a journalist for the Pittsburgh Post- Gazette remarks on the impor- tance of Boyce’s work, “In 1975, it seemed that a new era had begun for women on corporate boards (Sostek).” Although each member had a unique focus in the movement, such as abortion rights, gender discrimination across cultures, or equal employment opportunities, they all had the same basic goal in mind: equal rights between the sexes. The people represented in these portraits have forever changed the outlook for women in the Pittsburgh area and the nation. Women of today and the future - age and perseverance to stand up againstbenefit frominequality, these andactivists’ to break cour social norms that were previously restraining women. The daughters of tomorrow can thank these advo- cates for opportunities that are yet to come. Works Cited

Bryant, Jean. All She Wants Is Equality MacKay, Jenna. Irene Frieze. Psychology’s for Women. The Pittsburgh Press. Feminist Voices. 2010. Web. 23 Feb. Scripps Howard, 16 Feb. 1987. Web. 3 2012. http://www.feministvoices.co Mar. 2012. m/irene-frieze/

Corbin, Beth. NOW Activists Are Our Staff & Offices. Penn Future. Winners. National Organization for Copyright 2012 PennFuture, 2012. Women (NOW). NOW, Jan. 1995. Web. Web. 03 Mar. 2012. http://www. 03 Mar. 2012. http://www.now.org/ pennfuture.org/aboutus_s_detail. nnt/01-95/tobihale.html aspx?StaffID=10 http://feminist.org/ welcome/esbio.html Feminist Majority Foundation President Eleanor Smeal. Contact Us. Feminist Rodgers, Ann. Obituary: Jo Ann Majority Foundation, 2012. Web. 03 Evansgardner / Zealous Feminist Who Mar. 2012. http://feminist.org/wel- Never Backed down. Post-Gazette. PG come/esbio.html Publishing Co., 28 Feb. 2010. Web. 03 Mar. 2012. http://www.post-gazette. Fuoco, Michael A. Pittsburgh Urban com/pg/10059/1039208-122.stm Media. Alma Speed Fox -Civil Right’s Leader. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 8 Feb. Shaw, Kurt. Exhibit Highlights City’s Role 2009. Web. 03 Mar. 2012. http://www. in Equal Rights Movement. TribLIVE. pittsburghurbanmedia.com/Alma- 15 Jan. 2009. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. Speed-Fox--Civil-Rights-Leader/ http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/ pittsburghtrib/ae/museums/s_6071 Hafer for Congress. Hafer for Congress 55.html Web. 23 Feb. 2012. http://www. haferforcongress.com/index. Sostek, Anya. Despite Advances, Number php?option=com_content of Women on Corporate Boards Re- mains Relatively Stagnant. Post- In Sisterhood: The Women’s Movement Gazette.com. 25 Aug. 2006. Web. 23 in Pittsburgh. In Sisterhood: The Feb. 2012. http://www.post-gazette. Women’s Movement in Pittsburgh. com/pg/06237/716194-28.stm Web. 22 Feb. 2012. http://insister- hood.info/activists/hafer/activists_ha- fer.htm Installation shot from exhibition in the Bowman~Penelec~Megahan Galleries at Allegheny College, Spring 2012

The National Organization The founding of NOW for Women and the Equal in 1966 opened new doors for Rights Amendment women’s rights that had been closing since the suffragist move- Joseph Phelps ’15 and Erin Masterson ’15 ment. One of these opportunites was the passage of a law to end In Sisterhood: the Women’s Move- sexual discrimination in hiring. The ment in Pittsburgh highlights gallery presents sex-segregated Pittsburgh’s historical involvement employment ads as a document of in the National Organization for preferential treatment for men in Women (NOW). NOW promotes hiring and promotion. A photocopy social justice and civil rights in our of the “Help Wanted” section from society, and their political under- the February 3, 1970 edition of the takings have generated important Pittsburgh Press is displayed on a legislation in favor of women’s wall. Job offerings are split between rights. The gallery portrays his- men and women, and women are torical breakthroughs in women’s offered mainly secretarial posi- rights by revealing the efforts of ac- tions. Circles are drawn around tivists who advocated for economic the sales employment counselor justice, abortion rights, ending vio- positions offered to both sexes, and lence against women, and the Equal the men’s column includes the mes- Rights Amendment (ERA). sage, “Rapid expansion will create advancement opportunities in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette building immediate future,” while the wom- where groups of people hold signs en’s column does not. Pasted onto criticizing its use of sex-segregated the newsprint is a cutout showing the range of female ($6-8,000) and against sex discrimination. Both male ($8-11,000) earnings for jobs menads, championingand women of NOW all races for its are fight advertised by Snelling&Snelling seen in the photographs. These Employment Agency. There were individuals are mostly young to successful efforts in the 1960’s to middle-aged adults. give women equal employment Also shown are picket signs opportunities, including Title VII that read “Bona Fide Occupational of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and executive orders demanding VII was supposed to prohibit sexual discriminationQualification (BFOQ).” on the basis While of Title sex, (Whitney 20). However, these steps - wereaffirmative not enough action to by ensure employers the full - protection of women against sex holeits “bona for employers fide occupational to discriminate quali discrimination in the workplace. againstfication” women, exception especially offered ina loop the In Sisterhood displays case of pregnancy (Schwarzenbach the rallied efforts of NOW and its and Smith 274). When the laws of supporters against occupational the day did not offer women secu- bias through photographs taken rity in the face of occupational bias, in Pittsburgh. Some photos depict NOW took legal action to legally earnest demonstration and others dismantle the patronizing patriar- depict light-hearted displays, but chy of the workplace. all photos show peaceful protest- The gallery gives a his- ers working toward a common torical account of Cindy Judd Hill’s goal. One photograph shows a girl story and the involvement of NOW holding a sign that reads, “Breaks in winning her case in the Pennsyl- The Law Civil Rights Act 1964,” vania Supreme Court. Cindy Judd and a sign in the window next to Hill experienced sexual discrimina- her that reads, “No More Rooms tion from her employers in 1967 Marked Ladies/Men.” The latter because she had a baby while on sign appears to trope the historical sabbatical leave from Chartier’s segregation of blacks and whites Valley High School to earn her in public spaces. Another photo master’s degree. Mrs. Hill was focuses on a sign that reads, “NOW recruited by Wilma Scott Heide Fights Sex Discrimination,” with to become a founding member of the Pittsburgh chapter of NOW of the shot. Other photographs of (Pittsburgh-N.O.W.). In 1969, Pitts- protestAmerican rallies flags are in thetaken background outside the burgh’s anti-discrimination ordi- nance’s was successfully amended NOW logo that reads “Keep Abor- to include sex. NOW was then able tion Legal NOW” indicates NOW’s to challenge sex segregated ads in involvement in the hotly debated the Pittsburgh Press. Pittsburgh- abortion controversy. A purple - tee-shirt hanging in the gallery ber of 1969 against the Pittsburgh reads “Pennsylvania: The Prehis- PressNOW, filedand thea complaint Commission in Septem declared toric State.” On the tee-shirt, there that their ads violated the new is a caveman pulling a pregnant law. The case was appealed to the woman by a leash, and babies are United States Supreme Court, and seen crawling behind the woman the ruling meant that newspapers in an orderly line. After the passage in thirty-eight states with the same of Roe v. Wade in 1973, women’s ordinance had to integrate help- rights activists combated conserva- wanted ads. These efforts made by tives in the political arena. In Sis- NOW and its supporters show that terhood describes how this battle economic justice has been a neces- played-out in the Pennsylvania sary component in attaining a full state legislature. standard of women’s rights. Women wanted their right Another door that was to have control over their own opened by the women’s move- bodies and the opportunity to ment was access to birth control choose abortion. “Given the enor- and an abortion. Photographs are mous physical, psychological, and displayed in the gallery show- socioeconomic consequences of ing protests in Pittsburgh against an unwanted child, the growing pro-life advocacy. Picket signs that concern for fetal deformities (as a read “Abortion Rights Coalition result of drugs like Thalidomide), Pittsburgh,” “A Woman’s Right To and the pressure of feminists, a Choose Abortion,” “End Compul- number of states legalized abortion sory Pregnancy,” and, “The Right (Langley and Fox 296).” After the To Choose Is The Right To Refuse,” Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973, right- are held by both men and women wing, religious power structures of different races. Women are seen sought to dismantle the law. In op- standing and making speeches on position of Roman Catholic efforts soapboxes. Some people are seen to lobby against abortion rights, holding signs that feature the fe- a demonstration called A Day of male gender symbol. A photograph Outrage was organized by Jeanne taken at the March for Women’s Clark of the Eastern Region of NOW, Lives parade is also shown. Thou- and was held in Washington D.C. sands of pro-choice supporters in 1975. After the Pennsylvania swarm the streets in organized Abortion Control Act was passed in protest. A hanging placard with a 1982, Jeanne Clark organized the March for Women’s Lives to gain used to mobilize support. widespread recognition on the is- Political activist Anne Fee- sue of restricting abortion access. ney co-founded PAAR in 1972 as a The case was appealed to the U.S. call in “hot line” for rape victims. Supreme Court and the Pennsyl- This was only the second rape vania Abortion Control Act was re- crisis center in the nation. It was a pealed. This decision was overruled membership and volunteer-driven in 1992 by Planned Parenthood v. Casey which considered a revised years and developed into a nation- version of the law created by the organization during its first two- administration of Pennsylvania nization (PAAR). The exhibition Governor Bob Casey. The divisive mentionsally recognized, organizations non-profit that orga were issue of abortion is being argued in started by Pittsburgh-NOW mem- the political arena to this day, and bers, including the Women’s Center NOW proponents remain vigilant and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh against opposition. in 1974, and the Mon Valley Rape NOW has been involved in Crisis Center in 1975. Pennsylva- the struggles of violence against nia passed the Rape Shield Law in women, as well as seeking to pro- 1976 which limited disclosuer of a vide support to those who wish to defendant’s past sexual history to report these crimes. In Sisterhood the plaintiff during a trial. However, displays a sign from 1972 that Pennsylvania did not recognize reads, “PAAR (Pittsburgh Action marital rape until passage of the Against Rape): Where The Human Marital Rape Law in 1985. NOW Spirit Triumphs.” Three female gen- initiated this legislative reform by der symbols are shown above the collaborating with the Pennsylvania words. The one on the left appears Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) and to be disintegrating, the one in the the Pennsylvania Coalition Against middle is less battered, and the one Domestic Violence (PCADV). To- on the right is fully formed. Also gether they provided networks of shown is a photograph of women support to victims. In Sisterhood activists posing for the camera out- shows viewers that the protection side the PAAR building. The exhibi- of women against sexual violence is tions gives a historical overview necessary to the foundation of their of Pennsylvania’s development of civil rights. rape and domestic violence sup- NOW has also advocated port programs. Legal protection of for women’s rights by supporting women against these crimes was a proposed amendment to the U.S. an important objective for NOW in Constitution known as the Equal the 1970s, and In Sisterhood shows Rights Amendment. In Sisterhood us why, as well as what tactics were depicts the collaborative activism of NOW during the years when pas- sage of ERA was its primary objec- proposed 27th U.S. Constitutional tive. Buttons of all different colors Amendment.to the states for The ratification exhibition as ex the- are displayed in a glass case. Some plains how NOW president, Eleanor of the buttons have “ERA” centrally Smeal, along with the other NOW written in a bold font followed participants, began lobbying for by creative slogans or the quoted and organizing a full-blown cam- amendment itself. One button of- ERA, and to extend the deadline. In thepaign summer to secure of 1978, the ratification NOW orga of- ficiallyEquality states of Section rights under One the of ERA:law nized a march in Washington D.C. of shall not be denied or abridged over 100,000 participants (History by the United States or by any of the Equal Rights Amendment). State on account of sex. Originally, support for the ERA was on the platform of both the A poster for the one-year Count- Democratic and Republican parties. down Rally for ERA Ratification is But starting in the 1980s Repub- also portrayed in the gallery with licans became more reactionary the NOW logo on either side of its and removed the ERA from their central text. The poster shows an platform, causing a setback in the hourglass holding the names of the - of the Equal Rights Amendment). line mandated by Congress, June Asamendment’s the deadline ratification approached (History on months until the ratification dead 30, 1982. June 30, 1982, ERA was not adopt- ERA was drafted by Alice ed because it fell three states short Paul and introduced to Congress of the requisite number needed for in 1923. As it was reintroduced in subsequent decades, there was passage of the ERA was not in vain. copious opposition towards it. In Instead,ratification. their NOW’s near-success failure to shows secure February of 1970, Wilma Scott that true power comes from strong Heide and other pro-ERA activists voices, and that change is possible disrupted a United States Senate when an organized group such subcommittee hearing on consti- tutional amendments to press the membership. importance of ERA. As a result they as NOWThree fights photographsfor the goals areof its won a meeting with senators to dis- provided to illustrate the efforts cuss sending the amendment to the of NOW and other ERA supporters during this important countdown. years after its initial introduction Thousands of individuals paraded full Senate for a vote. Nearly fifty to Congress, the ERA was passed the streets of Washington D.C. in by the Senate in 1972, and sent support of ERA’s pioneer, Alice Paul, and sustained momentum Works Cited - ment. From its description of ERA’s Expansion of Rights and Liberties - during the entire ratification move The Right of Suffrage. The Characters origin to the amendment’s failed of Freedom. The U.S. National Archives adoption, In Sisterhood provides and Records Administration, 2012. viewers with an historical back- Web. 23 Feb. 2012. ground to this crucial era in our nation’s history. History of the Equal Rights Amendment. Equal Rights Amendment Home Page. In Sisterhood gives an eye- The Alice Paul Institute, 21 Feb. 2012. opening account of the struggle Web. 23 Feb. 2012. http://www.equal- for women’s rights in Pittsburgh rightsamendment.org/era.htm and the nation. Memorabilia and In Sisterhood: The Woman’s Movement photographs decorate the walls to in Pittsburgh, Bowman-Penelec-Mega- remind viewers of this pivotal era han Art Galleries, Allegheny College: in history. We become closer to the Meadville, PA, 2012. struggles against sex discrimina- tion, abortion, domestic violence, Langley, Winston, and Vivian Fox. Women’s Rights In The United States: A Docu- and rape, and we see important mentary History. Westport: Greenwood successes and failures in legislation Post Gazette, 1994. Print. of it was made possible through or- Our Mission & History. Pittsburgh Action and social reform. We find that all Against Rape. PAAR, 2008. Web. 23 ganized efforts of many dedicated Feb 2012. http://www.paar.net/15/ women and supporters. Even when history falling short of their goals, the work of these individuals and organiza- Schwarzenbach, Sibyl, and Patricia Smith. tions shows the power of diligence Women and the United States Constitu- tion: History, Interpretation, and Prac- and team work. The national tice. New York: Columbia University prominence of Pittsburgh area ac- Post Gazette, 2003. Print. tivists inspires future possibilities for regional stuggles against social The Equal Rights Amendment. National Organization for Women (N.O.W.). injustice, and the achievement of National Organization for Women, civil rights through activist effort. 2012. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. http:// www.N.O.W..org/issues/economic/ eratext.html

Whitney, Sharon. The Equal Rights Amendment. 1984. Print. Detail shot of emphemera collected for the exhibition

Ordinances and Proclamations discriminatory employment ads. In October 1968, N.O.W. Heather Fish ’15 and Nicholas Gordon ’15 - ing sex-segregated employment The exhibition In Sister- adstook that on thewere new being challenge published of fight by hood: the Women’s Movement in the Pittsburgh Press. The Press Pittsburgh includes various procla- was advertising separate job list- mations, ordinances, and legal doc- ings for men and women, and the uments. These show the historic women’s listings were generally role organizations such as National secretarial, lower-paying, and did Organization for Women -- which not offer opportunities for profes- describes itself as, “the largest sional advancement. N.O.W. orga- organization of feminist activists in the United States” -- played in the report to the Pittsburgh Commis- legal struggle for equal rights. Two sionnized on picketing Human Relations.as well as filingIn July a important court cases in which 1969, Mayor Joseph Barr signed a N.O.W. played an essential role new ordinance brought to him by were Roe v. Wade, which dealt with the Commission that added sex to the issue of women’s reproduc- the anti-discrimination ordinance. tive rights, and Pittsburgh Press v. In September of that year, N.O.W. Pittsburgh Commission on Human reiterated to the Commission that Relations, which focused around Pittsburgh Press had yet to change their sexist ads, and therefore were the exhibition’s central display in violation of the new ordinance. case. The “AMICI CURIAE” of a court The Commission agreed the Press was in violation, and the newspa- advisor that helps the courts make per appealed the ruling. The proof decisions.case is the Suchinfluence advisors or outside are not be- of appeal between the two parties holden to any particular party, and – on display in the exhibition and they usually function as mediators, shown below – offers record that offering additional information to the case moved to a higher court of help judges come to a ruling (Mer- law. riam-Webster.com). In this case, the amicus curiae were made of the IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF Women’s Law Fund, Inc., and a joint ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA brief with the American Veterans In re: Committee, Women’s Equity Action Appeal of PITTSBURGH PRESS COMPA- League Legal Defense and Educa- NY from the Order of the PITTSBURGH tional Fund, National Association of COMMISSION OF HUMAN RELATIONS at FEP Case No. 558 Women Lawyers, and the League of Women Voters of the United States. Nearly four years later, the Perhaps one of the most timeline closed, and the case was controversial court cases was the brought before the U.S. Supreme Burgers Court’s decision in Roe v. Court. The court found the Pitts- Wade in 1973, which centered on burgh Press to be in violation of the anti-discrimination law, and the the fight for women’s reproductive Press was obligated to cease from that the Fourteenth Amendment’s rights. It was the first to establish publishing such ads. Also included due process clause extended the in the exhibition is the cover page right to privacy to a woman’s for the ruling in this historic Su- decision to have an abortion. The preme Court case: Burger Court was named after War- ren E. Burger - Chief Justice of the PITTSBURGH PRESS COMPANY United States Supreme Court at the v. time. The Fourteenth Amendment THE PITTSBURGH COMMISSION ON of the due process clause reads as HUMAN RELATIONS follows: ANDTHE CITY OF PISSBURGH, AND No State shall make or en- THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR force any law which shall WOMEN, INC., abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of The document is displayed the United States; nor shall along with the briefs included in any State deprive any per- son of life, liberty, or prop- 4000 people to the steps of the Vat- erty, without due process of ican Embassy to protest that action. law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the about a Constitutional Amendment equal protection of the laws toThis outlaw significantly abortion, diminished but this action talk (United States Constitu- - tion). productive rights to the state level. “Thebrought Pennsylvania the fight over Control women’s Act” wasre In a 7 – 2 decision, the case signed into law by Gov. Thornburgh established a strong precedent pro- in 1982, and it restricted access tecting not only a woman’s right to to abortion by requiring spousal choose whether or not to terminate or parental consent and a waiting a pregnancy, “within reason,” but period of 24 hours. Once again, the also protected her from state med- Burger Court found the govern- ment in violation of the fourteenth reason arose from the court’s amendment’s guarantee of due unwillingnessdling. The ill-defined to completely term within de- process, striking down the act in a criminalize abortion(s) for a fetus 5 – 4 decision. The state of Pennsyl- vania was able to revise the legis- months of gestation. The decision lation under governor Bob Casey, in the last trimester, or final three- who signed it into law in 1989. The mediately nullifying any state laws, law was challenged by Planned whichhad nationwide violated the influence court’s –decision, im Parenthood of Western Pennsylva- and left many states, municipalities, nia, but held up under the United and interest groups, scrambling to States Supreme Court’s scrutiny create new anti-abortion legislation - that could withstand the new legal prehensive sets of reproductive precedent. limitationsand became in one the of country the first since com Roe Since the Roe v. Wade v. Wade. According to Planned Par- decision, there have been many enthood, the law, “creat(ed) unfair attempts to restrict access to abor- time and monetary commitments tion. One such attempt was made and subject(ed) young adults to pa- by the Roman Catholic Church, rental/judicial scrutiny over their which lobbied congress mem- bodies” (Planned Parenthood). bers for a Constitutional Amend- The legal documentation ment outlawing abortion. Such included in In Sisterhood is im- an amendment would nullify the portant because it documents the decision of Roe and prevent judi- work that activist organizations cial review; however, the Eastern such as N.O.W. did to promote equal Regional arm of N.O.W. organized rights. They describe two different “A Day of Outrage,” which brought strategies of the women’s rights movement. Roe v. Wade estab- Works Cited lished universal right privacy, and Pittsburgh Press v. The Pittsburgh Mirriam-Webster Dictionary Online. Web. 01 Mar. 2012 http://www.merriam- Commission on Human Relations webster.com/dictionary/amicus%20 put an end to sexually discrimina- curiae tory employment ads. By helping to establish these legal precedents, Constitution of the United States of N.O.W. paved the way for furthering America. Web. 02 Mar. 2012 http:// www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/ women’s rights. constitution.html Detail shot of publications collected for the exhibition

Feminist Publications to publish and distribute feminist publications and act as a vital Karley Miller ’15 and Janos Cseh ’15 communication network within the movement. Over the course of Newsletters, magazines, ten years K.N.O.W Inc. published pamphlets, and other forms of over 350 feminist works. Through publication were key components publishing these women writers, in spreading the word about the they gave power to other voices in movement. Because of important the movement. The photography presses and publications such as display within the In Sisterhood K.N.O.W., The Allegheny Feminist, exhibition depicts three important Synthesis, and many others, the people who were a part of K.N.O.W.; opinions, personal stories, and JoAnn Evansgardner, co-founder most importantly, the ideals of the and manager from 1969 to 1981, women’s movement were shared Gerald Gardner, a co-founder from among local and national move- 1969 to 1981, and Phyllis Weth- ment supporters and activists. erby, a co-founder as well as trea- surer from 1969 to 1983. The press introduced to the movement was gave women a public platform to K.N.O.W. The Inc., first which feminist was operated press push for equality. by the Greater Pittsburgh Area Another important pub- chapter of NOW. Their goal was lication was Synthesis, which was the main means of public com- ponents to the overall movement. munication at the University of MotherRoot, published mainly seri- Pittsburgh’s Women’s Center. The ous writing by women that focused mission of the Women’s Center on women’s issues in culture, art, was to provide both men and and politics. Two others were the women with guidance in terms of Pittsburgh Fair Witness, a counter- educational, career, personal, and cultural newspaper that was used discrimination support (Women’s by women involved in the move- Center). These goals were used ment for advertising and network- as the guiding principles when ing, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, chosing writings to be included in a daily newspaper where move- Synthesis. This publication shared ment participants could report strategies for re-invigorating the major events to the general public women’s movement, included ways (Skoczylas, 17-18). to involve younger women and men Although it is not featured in feminist efforts. And it compared in this exhibition, Ms. magazine was women’s rights to issues such as founded in 1972 by activist Gloria poverty, racial minoritization, and Steinem and editor Letty Cottin gender equality beyond the bor- Pogrebin. Ms. - ders of the United States (Betty zine in the United States to address Friedan, Synthesis). It also included domestic violence, was the and first the magamaga- listings of events where supporters zine offered a safe space for women could meet for religious, creative, to tell their stories about having and employment opportunities abortions at a time when it was still (Synthesis). illegal (Ms. Magazine). Magazine From 1976 to 1981, The sales peaked during the 1970’s, but Allegheny Feminist was also a it is still in circulation today, and is leading publication involved in the published by the Feminist Majority women’s movement. It was a net- Foundation. working tool for Allegheny County Many of these publications feminists to make connections for were founded and staffed by those employment and travel opportuni- involved directly with the move- ties to local and national conferenc- ment, but not all regional publica- es. The Allegheny Feminist not only tions were on board with issues promoted women’s rights but also of equality. The Pittsburgh Press listed events in support of lesbian and gay equality (The Allegheny gender discriminative, printing Feminist). separatepublished and classified stereotypical ads that male were Besides those mentioned and female job listings such as above, there were many other manager positions for men and sec- publications that were vital com- retary positions for women. When this was brought to the attention of NOW (the National Organization for Women), the group brought a lawsuit against the Press in 1973 (Ulbrich), and NOW won the case in the Supreme Court. The creation of these publi- cations was essential in spreading feminist ideals and women’s rights throughout the Pittsburgh area and across the nation. Without groups like these, women writers advocat- ing for equal rights may have gone unheard. Feminist publications revolutionized women’s studies by supplying numerous references, journals, and articles for scholars and journalists. These alternative presses allowed a different side of the story to be told and propelled the women’s movement to national prominence, empowering women in Pittsburgh and beyond. Works Cited

A Grassroots Response to Betty Friedan. Synthesis 13.2 (1986): 3, 23. Print. Women’s Center, University of Pitts- burgh. Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh. Pamphlet.

Calender of Events. The Allegheny Feminist 2.12(1979): 5. Print.

Feminist Majority Foundation. Ms. Magazine. Web. 2 Mar. 2012. http://www.feminist.org/news/ pressstory.asp?id=5933

K.N.O.W. incorporated. Freedom of the Press Belongs to Those Who Own the Press. Pittsburgh: KNOW inc., April 1979. Print.

Meinzer, Melissa. Finding a Place in Modern History for the Modern Women’s Move- ment. Pittsburgh City Paper. 8 Jan. 2009. Web. 28 Mar. 2012.

Skoczylas, Marie. Challenging Narratives: The Women’s Liberation Movement in Pittsburgh in the 1970’s. Diss. U of Pittsburgh, 2011. Print.

Ulbrich, Patricia. In Sisterhood: The Woman’s Movement in Pittsburgh. Bizchicks. 18 Mar. 2011. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. http://bizchicks.org/2011/03/ in-sisterhood-the-womens-movement- in-pittsburgh/ Some of the buttons collected for the exhibition

Buttons and Placards Rights Movement was the right to an abortion. According to Kathy Spencer Vicente ’15 and Dan Pecchio ’15 Gill, “When America was founded, abortion was legal. Laws prohibit- Between the 1960’s-1980’s, ing abortion were introduced in women fought for their rights, and the mid-1800s (Gill).” By the 20th used materials such as buttons and century, “abortion was illegal in placards to spread the word and to every state in the union. In forty- encourage people to support the movement. These materials are still if the mother’s life was in danger used by activists today. fromfive states the pregnancy.” an exception Women was made who One of the buttons dis- were wealthy enough may have played in the exhibition says, “Keep had opportunities to have an abor- Abortion Legal.” It is blue with the tion, but those who were not so words in white. The word “Keep” fortunate resorted to underground outlines the curved perimeter of abortions. If a woman could not the button. The word “Abortion” even afford that “often [performed] is in the center, and the last word, self-induced abortions with coat “Legal,” is at the bottom, again hangers or other sharp objects curving to match the shape of the (Khalil).” Protesting in the 60’s, a button. It looks like a smile. A ma- group called the National Organi- jor social issue during the Women’s zation for Women (N.O.W.) began advocating for women’s rights by this limits the amount of text that - can be put on any given placard, tions for sexual discrimination, it makes them easy to read from a andfiling by lawsuits popularizing against demands corpora for distance. The messages are focused equal pay, more equitable divorce and direct. laws, and unrestricted access to Placards make the mes- legal abortion. In 1973 the Roe vs. sage clear, especially in regards Wade decision made abortion legal to media coverage. When dealing nationwide and stated, “that during with an issue as controversial as abortion rights, news outlets can right to decide what happens to her easily distort facts and demonize bodythe first (Gill).” trimester, The legal a woman victory has was the protestors. By using large signs, the message is preserved and not eas- rights and ended the need for dan- ily misquoted, especially in docu- gerous,a big step underground in the fight forabortions. women’s mentary photographs. Women’s Many of the placards, rights activists used effective and simple signs containing messages that were clear and concise to help orpamphlets poster using and fliersmore featurethan 2 colors.simple enact social change, and many of Theyartwork. also It predominately is rare to find anyfeature flier the symbols are still used by femi- silhouettes or one prominent nist activists today. subject and a terse phrase or title. These choices may have been made in order to save resources when trying to produce large numbers period of time, or to communicate ideasof fliers in orthe pamphlets most direct in way a short possi - ble. Many placards follow the same font to make an acronym or phrase aestheticallydesign pattern, interesting using a specific and easily Works Cited of the placards were circular. The identifiable, like a brand. Almost all Gill, Kathy. Issue Summary: Abortion. Web. use of curvilinear lines may make Feb. 22 2012. http://USpolitics.about. the placards appear more feminine, com/od/electionissues/i/abortion. which is a simple, yet elegant way htm to make the signs even more ef- fective at evoking women’s bodies Khalil, Kathy. Sex in the 1960’s: Abortion. Web. Feb. 22 2012. http://www. in connection to the slogans. The enotes.com/1960-medicine-health- fonts are bold and large, and while american-decades/sex-abortion Clark’s supporters threatened to publish the coined slogan, “Jeanne

fought her yourself (Ms. Maga- zine,Clark pg is a1).” fighter. This sloganPerhaps embodies you’ve the style with which Jeanne Clark handles controversial topics, and shows the lack of fear she has when talking publicly about contentious issues. Clark is now one of lead- ing activists in the women’s rights movement in Pittsburgh, and is currently Chair of the Democratic Committee in Pittsburgh’s 7th ward.

Jack Donohue and Emma Rain- Jeanne Clark off: What do you perceive as your role in the women’s movement in Interview with Jeanne Clark Pittsburgh?

Jack Donohue ’15 and Emma Rainoff ’15 Jeanne Clark: I’ve been one of the major activists in Pittsburgh and For over 30 years Jeanne other cities across the nation for Clark has been creating the change women’s rights. Most of the time that she would like to see in the I’ve not been the leader, if you want world. She has coordinated media to say that there ever is a single coverage for several major marches leader. I‘ve sometimes been more in Washington D.C., including part of the support system and sometimes in more of a leadership march, the 1975 Mother’s Day of situation. I’m probably best known Outragethe first nationalat the Vatican abortion Embassy, rights for my activism in two areas: abor- and the 1993 March on Washing- tion rights and domestic violence, ton for LGBT Rights and Liberation and I’m probably also known for (Ms. Magazine, 1). Although she my ability to help people frame the may not consider herself the leader message and get the word of the of many of these events, Jeanne feminist community out. Clark is none-the-less an essen- tial part to any team and is never JD/ER: I was looking at a web- ashamed to voice her opinion. In site that detailed some of the protests you participated in, and a 1988 campaign for public office, they seem intense. How would about them, and felt that they you measure success for some- were doing so freely. I believe that thing like that, on issues that are women can speak for themselves, so controversial and not easily and should have their voices and talked about? their life experiences honored, but the anti-abortion movement, for JC: Well, I’ve never really been the most part, is trying to create afraid of any issue or of talking a discussion where women are about it publicly, and I also tend totally invisible. They only want to to have the view that just because concentrate on the fetus. There are some people think it’s controver- also some other times where I’ve sial doesn’t mean that it’s actually really felt that the work I’ve done unpopular—for instance, abor- has made a major difference. When tion rights. Current statistics show I saw Nelson Mandela as free man, that one out of every three U.S. women will have an abortion in US involved in South Africa…when her lifetime. That’s far from rare, Iwhen saw that,we were I thought, fighting “Wow, to get you the and the average woman takes into know, I actually did some of that. I helped make that happen.” and twelve people in having the Another time I’ve really felt abortion,confidence so between again, it’s about a fairly three large that way, in terms of world issues, group of people who are mak- was when the US women’s soc- ing that choice. For nine years, I cer team beat China in the World worked at an abortion clinic as Cup because I had been part of the the director, and the way I mea- movement that created the ability sured success there was helping for women to play sports. When I women every day. Regardless of was in high school, there were no what choice women made when intramural sports for women, no they came to the clinic, it was interscholastic sports, and to see about helping them to take control that change, I was like, “Wow—I of their lives. For most women, helped those women get there and especially young women, talking do this.” about their pregnancy and mak- ing a decision, no matter what the JD/ER: What is your opinion on the recent act that Obama they feel they have any control over signed, saying that all employers, theirdecision, own is lives. the first time where religious or not, have to provide And so, again, it didn’t re- birth control for women? ally matter to me what decisions women made, as long as they were JC: I think he’s absolutely on target, making the decisions, felt good and I’m sorry that he feels that he has to give in even a little bit to the sues are supported by the majority National Conference of Catholic of people. So when I get involved in a situation where someone is Catholic women have at one time opposing me, usually it’s part of a orBishops. another Ninety-five used birth percent control. of So trumped-up situation where I’m in that shows that even in teaching a debate, or a class or something their dogma to their own people, like that, and in that case my job is the church has failed. And the not to reach a middle with that per- government is not saying that the son. My job is to win for my side. church itself has to provide birth And I believe I have an obligation control, but that church-related to women everywhere to speak up organizations have to have a health for them, because not all women insurance policy that would pro- can speak out. So my job is to make vide contraception for women. the best case possible, and really to Contraception is a major preventative service and it should It’s unfortunate that we be in there, and I think it should fight for my side. be there regardless of who one’s actually in my personal life, I have employer is. If you look at history, anhave acquaintance to have these who kind I know of fights; dis- a whole lot of these Catholic hos- agrees with me very strongly on pitals have already been provid- abortion rights, for instance, but we ing this coverage. I know women can come together on other issues. who’ve worked in those facilities There’s no question in any of our who have been able to receive con- minds that even as we take oppo- traception as part of their health site positions about which we’re care. I think the bishops are trying not going to give, we can agree on other issues. People are complex, history of their failure to stop child and relationships are complex. sexualto pick assault,a fight, andthose I think are not in lightpeople of Now, there are some situations, and this doesn’t happen quite as now. much anymore, but in the past who should be picking a fight right there was what I used to call the JD/ER: When you’re faced with a ‘beat the radical around the dinner testy—well, ‘client’ isn’t the right table’ game, where someone would word—with a testy opponent, decide to harass me for my beliefs, how do you handle that situa- mostly because they thought it tion? How do you let it diffuse, was fun to do and they liked to see without letting it blow up into me get upset. In those situations something it doesn’t need to be? I just decline to be a part of that; I just walk away. I’m not going to be JC: Generally speaking, feminist is- anybody’s entertainment. JD/ER: We noticed that some of equality and gender equality in- the artifacts in the exhibition fluenced by, or do they influence had to do with religion; what is the feminist movement? the church’s role in the women’s movement? Is the movement as JC: The women in Pittsburgh were a whole for or against faith, or integrated from the very begin- does it have no definitive opin- ion? of Pennsylvania N.O.W. had both blackning. Theand firstwhite executive women oncommittee it. We JC: Women in the movement are have now some wonderful women like women everywhere: they’ve leaders who reached out to us got a variety of opinions and be- from more traditional civil rights liefs, religion included. In May, my groups, such as the N.A.A.C.P., who cousin is going to be ordained as would then help us in return. I’m an Episcopalian priest after years a white member of the N.A.A.C.P. of attempting to gain women’s and also a N.O.W. member, and we equality in the Catholic church, the church of her youth. She felt that injustice to one is an injustice to all. her whole being was being dis- Similarly,have always we firmly recognize believed that thethat les an- counted by the Catholic church and bian, gay, bisexual and transgender she had no choice but to leave. And and queer communities have been now she’s become a priest. Others discriminated against, and whether feel that religion serves no pur- you are straight, lesbian, bisexual, pose in society other than to create - problems, and for whatever reason other’s rights. Depending on who’s don’t believe in a God or religion, whatever, that we fight for one an or they have an alternative view of spirituality. The feminist com- inlooking one direction at the fight, or another, one might but feel I munity has been very involved in canthat tell we’re you not that fighting at our hardcore, enoughwe moving pre-Episcopalian Christian believe that an injustice to one is an religions towards getting women injustice to all. involved, and for women leaders My life experience and ca- in other religions—for women reer have mostly been spent doing rabbis, for example, for them to be political and media work for the women’s rights community and the women’s equality in all spheres. environmental community, but I Withable to where get synagogues. we personally We arefight in for also coordinated the media cover- that respect, we’re all in different age for the largest ever LGBTQ places. march on Washington. I have done the same for unions and for other JD/ER: How are issues like race organizations. So again, it’s about approaching everything from a of the nicest people I’ve ever met!” social justice standpoint. So some men might be turned off by my activism in the community, JD/ER: So would it be safe to as- but those are not necessarily men sume that although women’s rights that I want to have anything to do are the main concern, the move- with anyway. ment is really about equality for everyone? JD/ER: What would you say are the things that divided you, or JC: Absolutely! Because feminism made it harder to work together has as much to offer men as it does to accomplish your mission? women. It gets them out of a rigid gender stereotype and gives them JC: Well, it was interesting, because a whole host of other choices they even through we agree on things can make. like gay rights and race, et cetera, that stuff came from a lot of educa- JD/ER: Did people treat you dif- tion and discussion. Nobody was ferently personally, men espe- born knowing everything about cially, after learning that you other people and their issues. I were involved in this movement?

JC: In the early years, certainly, ofremember domestic when violence the firstcame woman to me, there were a lot of men who were wewho had identified never thought herself ofas ita insurvivor the frightened of a strong woman. We comprehensive terms in which it’s don’t see it that much anymore. dealt with today, and that was a Of course, I’m not currently in the major educational issue, because process of dating anybody, so I there was a lot of discussion about don’t know what that would do to what issues must the candidate be that type of relationship. But I can good on to receive our endorse- tell you that I am very active in the ment. And that has evolved over community and men, I think, treat the years. me the same way that they would There’s a lot of discussion treat other women, perhaps even over whether or not we’re dilut- more respectfully than they treat ing our message by adding other other women. issues, other people. One of the On the other hand, for in- former presidents of Pennsylvania stance, my car mechanic once said NOW used to say that three hours to me, “you know, you really have of debate equals one unanimous a reputation in the community, for vote, which is true. We educate one being tough, and everything else,” another through debate, through and he said, “but I think you’re one discussion. We hammer out every issue, discuss every issue, and it learning to trust one another, edu- got testy at times, but I think we cating each other, being educated recognized that we all come from by each other. To this day I learn the same place, which is wanting to from women in the movement. expand the message of equality and justice. And some of us needed to JD/ER: Was there anything that be educated more than others. We moved you personally to become came from different religious and involved in this movement? socioeconomic backgrounds, differ- ent ages, different life experiences, JC: It was when I grew up. Really, and we really taught one another it feels as if I was born a feminist. about what those experiences I grew up in a large family, and I were, what they meant to us and had seven brothers and two sisters, what they meant for the movement. and my mother is really one of the In the early years, a lot of smartest women I knew, but was people went through something called ‘consciousness raising,’ and and then only because she fought everything that happened in that likeonly hell allowed for it. to And finish so highI watched school small group was supposed to stay my mother, who could have done there and not be talked about. such great things, stay at home to The women connected on a very take care of the kids, and cook and personal basis, over their values, clean and do the housework and their fears, their dreams, and just really hunger for knowledge. I we believed that was important remember that whenever any one because in the end, the personal is of us would come home from col- political. What women felt person- lege on a break, she would want to ally was part of the greater politi- know everything. In addition, my cal issue about how women were seven brothers and I and my two dealt with generally. We wanted sisters were treated very different- to take ownership of our personal ly. You know, I had to do the dishes, experiences, all of us with our own while my brothers didn’t really stories, and take action to change have chores other than to mow the it for other women—domestic lawn and shovel the snow occasion- violence, lesbian and gay rights, ally. And I would just look around poverty—a whole host of issues and see so many wonderful women that we worked across any distrust who were being constrained by the to achieve. rules of society. And always, when you start So I think from the very working together, there’s some beginning, really, I wanted more, distrust, not knowing the other and I wanted to advocate for every people, and we spent a long time woman who couldn’t do all the things that they should have been that was probably in the context able to. There’s this thing that we of something else. I actually think talk about in the movement called that women in the movement are a ‘click moment.’ It’s that moment very skeptical of political parties, where you realize the discrimina- although certainly if you watch the tion and say, ‘Oh, I’m not good Republican presidential debates, enough, but it’s not me, it’s because it’s pretty easy to see that there’s they won’t let me be good enough.’ no place for women there, particu- I’ve certainly had my share of click larly with Rick Santorum wanting moments. I had one in high school to outlaw not only birth control and that I remember when we had a ca- abortion but now prenatal testing reer day and I went to the table for for women and a whole lot of other physicians There was a male physi- things. Things like that are what cian running it and he wouldn’t let push women into the Democratic me in. He said that women weren’t party.” supposed to go to medical school because they’re just supposed JD/ER: I can definitely agree with to ‘get themselves pregnant,’ an you there. And then, because you interesting turn of phrase. And that mentioned Santorum, I’m sure was a very strong click moment for you heard about how he thinks me, kind of looking the beast in the that women shouldn’t fight in the face. front lines of the army.

JD/ER: Did someone actually say JC: Right, yes, and we came up, my that to you? age group and Kathy’s, in the age of the draft. And one of the things JC: Yes. A white male physician. He that we noticed was that women wouldn’t even let me in the room. weren’t subject to the draft. We felt And that stuff was something that that women should be part of that, no one ever really confronted. and frankly, that if women were subject to the draft, that the wars JD/ER: In the exhibition video, might end faster, because women Kathy Wilson says that a lot of would be demanding in a war women in the movement feel a rather than being a cog in kind of a stronger attachment to a party war machine. than to specific ideals. Do you agree with that? JD/ER: On a completely differ- ent note, we were also wonder- JC: That’s interesting. Kathy is my ing about the photos that were friend, and I’d love to ask her about shown in the exhibition. Why is that, because knowing her as I do, everyone smiling? Because this seems like a rather grim issue, been meeting for lunch or dinner one where you have to fight re- together once a month for over ally seriously. thirty years, and we all met one another in the feminist movement. JC: I think there are a couple of This is our support system; this is answers to that. One is that we’re our community. We take care of one socialized to smile. In photos, another. especially ones like these where I’m also the chair of the the photos are deliberately taken, Democratic Committee of the 7th not candids, you’re conditioned to Ward in Pittsburgh. I would not smile in front of the camera. And have had that without the feminist secondly, for everyone who was movement because the feminist interviewed and photographed community in Pittsburgh is what for this, I think we can agree that forced the Democratic party to cre- ate bylaws requiring that there are for equality. We have a lot of fun equal numbers of women and men doingwe’ve this,all had and a terrificwe feel timegood fighting about in leadership positions at every the work we’ve done. What was level of government. The chair and happening in those photos, is that the vice-chair are always different they were taken to show all of the genders. In the past, maybe I could people who have helped achieve have been elected secretary, maybe. equality in this area, and we’re all So because of this movement, I’ve very proud of that. So of course been able to achieve power on my we’re going to smile. own. And again, there’s noth- JD/ER: What do you feel that ing like taking on the bad guys and you’ve personally gotten out of winning for somebody. We did a this movement? Has it benefited campaign recently to take on the your personal life in any way? Pittsburgh city police when some- one who had just been promoted JC: Sure. Absolutely. Feminism runs beat up his girlfriend, and we were through everything I do. I had a able to totally change the rules of wonderful 33-year marriage up the police system in Pittsburgh. until the time he died, and he was a We were able to create a system strong feminist; I would never have within the city where every em- married him if he hadn’t been. My ployee knows about domestic kids are strongly feminist and the violence, knows what’s available, feminist community is my fam- support for victims, support for ily, even more than the people I’m perpetrators, and with the whole related to. They’re there for me. I city we’re attempting to create a have a group of people who have situation where we don’t have to treat domestic violence because we Work Cited can avoid it. That was a wonderful undertaking, and it was done not Jeanne Clark : Ms. Magazine Blog. Ms. Magazine Online. Web. 17 Mar. necessarily through a paid orga- 2012. http://msmagazine.com/blog/ nization, it was done by women blog/au deciding that we were going to change the rules. And we were very successful. is related to the civil rights move- ment; women’s rights are citizen’s rights. When I was in college, I was involved in trying to make changes for the rights of African Americans in this country, and as different things came about, I changed my focus. It wasn’t just all the sudden I got up one day and said, “I’m going to be an activist!” But the word “activism” doesn’t really do it. It’s really a movement—a civil rights move- ment. It’s citizens trying to make a change in people’s lives, mak- ing sure that everyone gets a fair opportunity. When you see that Brenda Frazier injustice going on, and you feel that you can do something about it, then Interview with Brenda Frazier you stand up and you do what you

Julia Schock ’15 and Dylan Malone ’15 and be a part of a group. can. YouIt’s see also where easier you to can work fit in Julia Schock: How would you de- with a group than trying to do it fine the role of a women’s rights by yourself. You need allies of the activist? same mind. A lot of it is educating people and simply moving, coming Brenda Frazier: You intentionally together and agreeing on what the try to make a change for fair and process ought to be. You know you just treatment of women. want to make a change after you’re informed that there is a problem, Dylan Malone: How did you ini- and you’ve asked yourself, “What tially get involved in activism? can I do about it?” This movement was a vehicle to get people involved BF: I have always been on the in making a change against some of front lines, whether it’s for the civil the injustice we saw in this country. rights movement, the women’s movement, or whatever. I was JS: You said that with a move- introduced to the women’s move- ment you have a bigger voice ment through the civil rights move- than when you’re just one per- ment. The women’s movement son. Did you find it difficult to find groups of people to support variety of activism strategies. whatever it was you were fight- Which tactics worked best for ing for at the time? this movement, and why do you think they worked? BF: If you can share the informa- tion that you already see, like BF: We tried everything because the lack of women’s rights, then we’re all different kinds of people. For example, the March on Wash- about it, let people know there are ington was patterned after the inequities.first you need Once to educateyou are effectivepeople black Civil Rights March. At that in pointing out the problems, then time, there was nothing so danger- you can work on the solutions. As ous as an idea, and the time had far as getting others involved with come for women to stand up for the movement, I found that some their rights. There were enough people like to move with it, and people who were listening that we some people like to let other people were able to make some changes. do it! Some people would rather But we did whatever we give money to us, and some people could do: the rallies, news articles, only want to change a piece of it. etc. I think the more people you You need to have a love for people could involve in knowing the reality and a desire to make a change for women in the country, the more based on what is important to you. likely you were to have people sign- I was an educator, and my ing on just for their own self-inter- mother was a teacher, so I saw a est. We let them know that they lot of inequities growing up and could change what was happening how they were hurting people. With black civil rights, people were such as not getting paid as much, denied access to important things. simplyand bring because to light they specific were subjects,women. Part of what you want to do in a movement is give people opportu- stopping us from moving in a nities; you don’t make these chang- certainGo to the direction, law, find and out trywhat to waschange es, you give people opportunities those laws. So you have to try all to change. Our job was to identify kinds of ways because you have all kinds of women... and men! people can connect to, and use that asthe a problem, vehicle to find make a medium the change. that JS: Can you explain what “ERA YES” means? DM: In the exhibit, there are nu- merous buttons, T-shirts, pam- BF: E.R.A. stands for Equal Rights phlets, news articles, pictures of Amendment, which was a law rallies, etc. Basically, I see a wide that would say that women would have the same rights as men in the unless people don’t go out and use country. them. You can’t be afraid to use the law—you have to go out and make JS: So it’s just voting “yes” the law real. for that law? This was one law where you had people who were informed BF: And it was just very simple and were going to make a change in it, and there were people that did to see women in the military in dif- notlaw, want but there things was to achange. big fight People over ferentthe country. roles. We werewould finally see women going who have the power are not going truck drivers. You were going to to give up their power without a see women and men getting paid struggle. If you’re having an advan- the same. You were going to see tage, your family is living well by a difference in education. There paying someone else a lot less and were a lot of possibilities. It was by assigning them to less favorable time to have that discussion, and jobs. I saw the parallel with a lot to have that push. It was the right of things that were happening in time. the civil rights movement. Some believed nothing had to change, as DM: What was the biggest chal- lenge you faced being an activist? and staying on top. long as their family was doing fine - ting out of your place. You always against Whenthat, then people you finally get some see haveBF: Well to credential first of all, yourself, you’re get no strength.that the best Some thing people to do were is to satisfight- matter what group you go in. If I’m going into a group and I’m an They felt that if all women had African American woman, I have equalfied, since rights, their it would lifestyle take was away fine. to show that I can work just as from the life that they were liv- hard on woman’s rights as I do on ing and they would have to share civil rights. But if I go into a civil their power. We had to change it, rights group, I have to prove myself and that one law would take care because I was known as an activist of rights such as owning property, for woman’s rights. Where is your having jobs, and more. loyalty, you know? Or when re- Some rights were accom- turning, I had to demonstrate that plished through other legislation, I was still loyal. I think that was but this was one law that would one of the big issues, but you can’t have changed things, or at least had say the biggest issue. You know, the opportunity to change things, I’m 70 years old; I’ve faced a lot of because laws don’t make changes challenges. That was one of many things though. - Another challenge was that ferent ways. the people you thought you could were just fighting ignorance in dif count on were not always there JS: I noticed the clippings from for you. When jobs came up for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette women, a lot of the women who classifieds that were sectioned weren’t in the movement got the into jobs for women and jobs jobs we fought for—we were too for men. I grew up reading this radical or too... whatever! newspaper, and obviously when But one of the good things I was reading it the classifieds about it too, you had other women weren’t sectioned like that, so in the same boat as you, and they it really shocked me. Could you were willing to share their experi- tell me about this and how you ences. You might have come into fought for it to be changed to the movement because you wanted what it is today? rights for women, but you were confronted by all different kinds of BF: It was a class action suit against the Post Gazette and the other before you. They were working papers that ended up going all the onwomen all sorts who of had things: made healthcare, sacrifices way to the Supreme Court. Not entertainment, etc. They all had a only did it make a difference for story, and from all these different women, but it also made a clas- types of women and situations, we learned to grow. Americans who were seeking jobs, You had some women who becausesification they difference could no for longer African put were coming in with different the help wanted ads like, “white agendas: poor women, women who only,” “colored only,” or anything were abused, women who lived on like that. Of course, it didn’t mean a farm or in an urban area, and so that you initially got those jobs, but on. We had the Socialist Worker’s at least they couldn’t list them that Party—we are always faced with way anymore. It was a very racist, them—they would come in, and sexist thing that was going on, and - it was legal until we won the suit. ing against what we were trying to do,they and would trying bring to lift money up the in, social fight - DM: What are your hopes for the future of this exhibition? things on one hand, and then the takeist ideas. over Youof another were fighting group with lots of BF: I hope people will remember their ideas on the other hand. So that this wasn’t easy, and that there all the people who really stuck with will be issues in your lives that you’ll need to work on, whether it’s it, they solidified us; really, we all women’s issues or some other is- sues. People should see that some of strategies were successful, but some were not. you in terms of how do you see the future ofI wouldthe exhibit? like to And flip whatthat on does it mean to you? We lived it! I don’t know what you’re going to get from it, so where do you see it into your world right now? going? And how do you think it fits JS: I think that it’s something that people need to remember because it teaches us that if there’s something that you see that is unfair or wrong in the world, there is a chance for you to stand up and fight for what’s right in a non-violent way. It’s a very good example—a successful example!

BF: There certainly is a process, and you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You look to history to see what you can do in certain instanc- es, and you can take some of it, or none of it. Did it work, or didn’t it work? Every generation is going own. All the issues aren’t going awayto be fightingsimply by for having something a move of -their ment, but you can be a part of mak- ing a change for the better. That’s very satisfying to live your life not just unto yourself, but trying to make things better for society as a whole. en’s studies program, I thought that would be the perfect job. So I applied for it and got in and I’ve been here for 40 years now.

LL/KR: What kind of activist work do you do?

IF: Probably now most of my ac- tivities are not directly community based, but more professionally based. I edit a journal called Sex Roles. It’s the major journal for fem- inist issues in the social sciences. It is a pretty high volume journal, and I mentor young scholars and to try to encourage them to get Irene Frieze their papers published. These are young scholars all over the coun- Interview with Irene Frieze try as well as all over the world; we get a lot of submissions from Lauren Laurune ’15 and Kira Ribas ’15 other countries. I work mostly with young women, although there are Lauren Laurune and Kira Ribas: a few young men who are learning What is your profession? How to write papers for a professional does your work affect your activ- publication. ism/activism affect your work? LL/KR: Why/how did you get Irene Frieze: I’m a professor at the involved? Was there a catalyzing University of Pittsburgh and my event? primary focus is in psychology. I also work in women’s studies. I’ve IF: I’ve always been interested. I been involved in feminist studies grew up in an area where there since I was a graduate student at was very little women’s activity UCLA, and one of the things I did going on. I noticed that a lot of there was to help set up the wom- things were barred to women, and en’s center back in the 1960s. I also I started kind of thinking about helped to develop a women’s stud- that. For example, in high school I ies program. When I heard about a wrote a paper on those issues. So position at the university of Pitts- I’ve always had this interest. One burgh involving setting up a wom- event that did occur was when I applied for graduate school back in is education, and I work to make the ’60s. At that time, they were not people aware of these issues. For admitting women at all to many of example, I’ve done a lot of radio the programs, so I didn’t get ac- talk shows on violence, some of cepted to any of the programs to them in other countries. People which I applied. I did research and call in with different problems and talked to the professor with whom it’s always interesting to hear their I was doing research. There were stories. no women faculty at that time, this was a guy, and I told him what had LL/KR: What is your goal for the happened. He seemed upset and women’s movement, and at what thought that wasn’t fair. He said, point do you think the movement “Well I’ll get you into UCLA.” He will have been successful? thought he could do that because I had a joint major in psychology and IF: Well I guess my goal is that mathematics. He said, “I think I can women would be fully equal to persuade them. You’re not really men, and unfortunately I don’t a woman because you have that think that has happened yet, so I’m mathematics background.” That still working on it in various ways. was kind of a shocking thing but it At the university, for instance, I’m chair of a committee that deals for me, but I was able to get my with sexual harassment procedures PhD.worked. They made it very difficult and investigates sexual harassment complaints. We keep working on LL/KR: Is there any particular these issues. We make a little prog- issue that interests you? Perhaps ress, but it is slow. you are interested in GLBTQ issues and women’s rights, or LL/KR: Tell us a little more about violence against women? your experience at UCLA.

IF: I’ve done a lot of research in IF: This was a period where wom- violence, particularly partner vio- en’s centers were being set up in lence. One of the things I’ve been many parts of the country. This pre- interested in is the very common dates things such as crisis centers way in which low-level violence is or shelters for battered women. expressed in dating relationships. I don’t think a lot of that is widely people set up. We tried to publicize known, and I don’t think people issuesThis was such the as first women’s kind of concerns, thing that are aware of it. It can have some and make people aware of these negative consequences. So one of things. We tried to help individual the things I’m most interested in women. vania. Between 1984 and 2005 she served as Allegheny Country Com- missioner, Pennsylvania Auditor General, and State Treasurer, and Hafer is still active in politics and the women’s movement.

Leah Herlocker: How did aid- ing victims of rape and violent crimes affect your perspective of the movement?

Barbara Hafer: I was a public health nurse and my practice dealt mainly with babies and women. I saw a tremendous number of women who were abused physi- Barbara Hafer cally and sexually, and they were all of my clients. The emergency room Interview with Barbara Hafer would not accept these people. In one instance, a four year old was Leah Herlocker ’15 raped and the hospital would not admit her. The mother took the Barbara Hafer is a politi- child to the regional hospital where cian and activist for women’s rights they also refused to admit the child, in the state of Pennsylvania. She telling her to return to the hospi- tal where she had been originally. andwas shethe firstplayed woman a powerful to become role in an theelected women’s official movement for the state by speakin 1983,- beenWhen accompanying they went back them to the drew first ing out for her rights and those of hishospital, gun and a police forced officer the hospital who had to women everywhere as a member admit the child because he felt it of the National Organization for was morally and ethically wrong to Women. Before she ran for political deny services. The local police force met about the issue, and a women’s of rape and violent crimes. Her group from the city got together backgroundoffice, Hafer asadvocated a nurse andfor victims hard- with me, I was the health convener, working student provided Hafer the chair. I was asked to meet with with the experience she needed to them because they were trying to have a profound impact on regional get funding to help legislate the is- and state governance in Pennsyl- sue (denial of access to healthcare for victims of sexual abuse) out of class citizens, competing with existence. men for basic rights. Women were At the time, President no longer stuck. They had more Johnson had declared a “War on Poverty,” and a “War on Crime.” The a house or a car. Divorced women program gave money to federal, financial security. They could buy state, and county governments. independent. When I tried to buy The women’s group had contacted aused house to notafter be being able todivorced, be financially the real estate agent working with but they ultimately wanted me to me called the bank to make sure writemany aofficials grant. Irequesting agreed, but money, wanted I could afford it. I had money, but to be executive director if I wrote because I was divorced she thought the grant. Rape and sexual as- she should check. The people at the sault are crimes against the state; bank asked her, “Do you know who the victim is a witness and has no she is?” I bought the house and the rights. If they prosecute, charges agent was embarrassed. I still see her around sometimes. Without the who has rights. The victim has to women’s movement these things goare to filed court against and tell the about perpetrator, their situ - would still happen. My mother ation, and usually nobody believes could never buy a house; she had to them. rent all her life. She had the money, I started a program that but she didn’t buy a house until she provided advocates who counseled was 75. victims on rights and accompanied them to trial. Police and attorneys LH: Why and how did you be- helped the advocates, and often come involved? Was there a cata- times police would act as social lyzing event that sparked your worker in such a situation. interest? At the time this was very taboo, because if you were a good BH: Well, let’s see, we’ll have to girl you weren’t raped, and victims go back in time, to the ’60s. I was just had to bear it. The advocacy raised by a single mom. She worked work began to uncover this issue. at Pittsburgh Plate Glass in the At the time, all police and most treasury department. She trained lawyers were men, but this opened men, but was never able to advance - in the ranks, she saw the inequality ment to women. The advocacy that existed there, but wasn’t vocal programthe fields helped of law andwomen law toenforce have about it. more opportunities, and made ex- Working in the treasury plicit that women would no longer department, she saw all the money tolerate being treated as second- that was used. The men of the com- pany went to a country club near husbands. My mom had employ- able skills but these women didn’t. Center for their Christmas party. I was radicalized by the poverty Theythe downtown had drinks offices and socialized; in Gateway the I saw, and became active in the company paid for the whole party. movement in the 70’s. The women went to Horn’s, an eat- Contraception was impor- tant because it liberated women building, for their Christmas party. and brought awareness. Women Theery across women the had street to pay from for thetheir office realized they could go to school, own party, and they had no prob- and controlling their own bodies lem going to Horn’s, even though was a huge accomplishment. Those they went there everyday for lunch, were my major reasons for getting but it really bothered my mother involved. that they had to pay and the men didn’t. LH: What do you get out of it? I was a teen at the time all of this was happening, and I real- BH: I have a daughter, and still ized the difference and that it was I was able to do all these things. wrong. We were raised to believe Woman’s careers were limited; they could marry and become teachers, with cowboys riding horses instead nurses, secretaries, or clerks. There ofwe the could women do anything. standing I inidentified the back - were very few women doctors or ground. lawyers. That was a big part of the We didn’t have a lot of movement, opening up profession- money, but I wanted to go to col- al opportunities for women. Now, lege. My mom told me I was going they’re admitted to schools. There to nursing school, so I did. That’s all we could afford. Afterwards, I put as for people of color. myself through college by going to used to Itbe also a quota was to fill,help the me same do class 6 days a week and working what I wanted. I started a crisis really hard. center and I was elected to a politi- During the ’60’s, the civil rights movement was going on, and - that sensitized me to the discrep- vaniacal position. in 1983. I was Men the started first womanto sup- ancy between genders. I worked portto be me an aselected well. official I had my in Pennsylcareer, at Monongahela Valley Hospital, or Mon Valley. I saw that other women my second husband who is very ac- stayed home and husbands went to tivedivorced and encouraging. my first husband, and met work in the steel mills. The women were relatively helpless because LH: What does success mean to they were so dependent on their you? BH: I guess accomplishing your blocks, but you have to learn to go goals, but it depends on how you around them. Some people didn’t support me because I was a femi- losing elections. I think I’ve had a nist, but hundreds of others sup- successfuldefine success. life because I learned I’ve a lot accom from- ported me because of that fact. plished a lot and I’m a happy per- The Republican Party was a road- block. I used to be a Republican, and a lot of interests and hobbies. now I’m a Democrat. I needed to son. I have financial independence LH: What is the role of religion? time. Is the movement hostile to faith? fight to keepPeople my have power tried the to whole kill me. Every time I ran against a man, BH: Not at all, I am a lifelong Lu- theran, which is a sort of wayward It happened in 1988 and 1990 as Catholic. Martin Luther started the wellmy car as wasin 1992. blown Whenever up or lit Ion ran fire. religion as an action against Ca- against a woman, nothing hap- tholicism. It teaches you to speak pened. I didn’t know who it was, up. It has always been that if a but it just motivated people more, religion is repressive or hostile to a especially me. In 1990 somebody woman, then liberated women will broke into my house. It’s a danger- be opposed to it. They will never al- ous game. There have been a lot of low themselves to regress. We need death threats. Anybody who runs to men. We’re not going away. We there are a lot of nuts out there. For to keep fighting for rights equal - onefor office election, gets I deathhad a threats,county police but - pendence of thought, and ability to woman with me at all times. movewant financialup and down independence, the ladder. inde One man who tried to blow me up was caught and put in a psy- LH: What were roadblocks you chiatric ward for two years. When encountered? he got out, he tried to do it again. I didn’t know the man, but I knew I BH: Women said that no woman had become a target. The head of the county police had a prosthetic Men said it too. To get on the ballot, arm and joked with me, “Commis- youshould need ever signatures. be an elected When official. I was sioner, I’ll take one in the arm for trying to get the necessary signa- you.” tures, a woman on the committee refused to sign for me. She genuine- LH: Did your activist practice ly believed that no woman should change the way other people, men especially, treated you? There were many road- ever hold elected office. BH: Yes, in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. It is not so much embar- rassing as it is demeaning. I’ve taught hundreds of women how to theyPolice both officers deal likewith nurses, tragedy they and shake hands like this. theyhave alwaysan affinity found for support them because in each other. - bit of a chuckle.When I first It’s astarted man’s runworld ning for office, there was always a respect. Whenever there were photosand I had taken, to physically I would start fight in for the middle or near the front and end up at the back. Men would literally elbow me to the back of the group. I realized I had to stand my ground. I fought back and stepped on a few toes with my high heels. After a few years, they left me alone. While I was campaigning, hand. Men would lean in and brush acrossat first myI tried breasts, to shake trying everyone’s to cop a feel. A woman who worked for the government in Pittsburgh taught me how to shake hands with people so they wouldn’t lean in. I shake with my right hand and grab their right arm with my left hand to gain leverage. By keeping my left foot in front of my right, I am in a strong position. After I learned the tech- nique, I looked them straight in the eye and if they tried it, I just rocked them back with the leverage I had from the positioning. One man tried to do it for years whenever I saw him. Eventually I stomped right on his instep and after that he never tried it again. celebration that was taking place in Pittsburgh. The 250th celebration committee had a $100,000 to give

communities, and in the region. Projectsto people were for projects required in to specific promote pride in community, promote civic engagement, and needed to have a lasting impact. The multimedia ex- hibit was designed to raise aware- ness about this inspiring aspect of the region’s history, to be used as an educational tool to teach young people about tactics used in social

movement. movements and in this specific Patricia M. Ulbrich, Ph.D. PM/CD: What was your original inspiration for this exhibit? Interview with exhibition curator, Patricia M. Ulbrich PMU: When I moved to Pittsburgh in the 90’s I was surprised by the Paige Missel ’14 and Chloe Donohue ’15 status of women here. It seemed as though the women’s movement Paige Missel and Chloe Donohue: hadn’t happened in western Penn- Are you originally from Pitts- sylvania. burgh? Or was this just a part of As I talked to people I the National Women’s Movement found that Pittsburgh was actu- you found interesting? ally a major hub of the women’s movement and I was fascinated by Patricia M. Ulbrich: I’m not the change. My goal is always to from Pittsburgh; originally I’m promote opportunities for women from Iowa. I’m a sociologist, and I and to honor and respect them for taught women’s studies, and also what they do, and I felt that women about the women’s movement. I were undervalued in Pittsburgh. I was aware that there were very wanted to do that, and the 250th prominent people in the women’s anniversary presented an opportu- movement from Pittsburgh, so I nity. It was a year-long anniversary to promote pride in the region and in 2007. I felt the need to focus I felt that they absolutely needed ongot women, involved as in part this of specific the 250th project to have pride in the women here. Because I felt that way, I was the movement. Since then, every news- one that ended up doing it. letter from the project has included a request for people to donate their P/C: As the curator, did you pur- movement buttons. Over 500 but- posely design the way the exhibit tons have been donated. In Decem- was set up, or did you just choose ber, I spent a few hours going over the artists? the buttons. Once I knew how I wanted to categorize them, I spent PMU: I hired the videographer a few more hours separating them and photographer, and super- into the four groups: women and vised every aspect of the project. I politics, Equal Rights Amendment worked with a consultant to design (ERA), National Organization for the exhibit and collected all of the Women (NOW), and reproductive ephemera and period photos. It’s rights. new to be called a curator; I am a The National Organization director and producer. for Women was the most well- known advocacy organization in P/C: How long did it take you to the women’s movement and you put the exhibit together? will see in the exhibit that three women from Pittsburgh became PMU: The interviews were con- president of NOW. This is because ducted in 2008 from May all the there was a strong connection way through December. Every oral between the Pittsburgh NOW and history was videotaped and audio- National NOW. The women in Pitts- recorded by the project team. At burgh were very involved in NOW, the time that we were interviewing they were extremely important in people, we are also taking photo- lobbying. Buttons were a way to graphs. When we were scheduling show your support for a candidate interviews, we asked participants or an issue. Because Pittsburgh to share photos and memorabilia feminists were so involved in the from their own collections. It took movement, they had a lot of but- about three weeks to create the tons. Some buttons name people in video. We also had to choose which the exhibit. The ERA was the major photos to use for the portrait gal- issue in the 1970s, and women lery, and have them printed and from Pittsburgh played a major framed. leadership role in the effort to pass For a January 2009 exhibit, the ERA. Abortion rights were also one of the most important issues one of the participants had promi- that the movement addressed. The nentlywe borrowed displayed five in button her home; boxes they that feeling was also that we needed featured buttons from the women’s to get women elected to politi- were pioneers in some way. I also included Barbara sensitivitycal office, because to issues once important women to Hafer, who started a rape crisis womenare in office, and girls.there Many will be women more ran center, which was cutting edge in the 1970s. I looked for people who women were on the city council for were involved in starting organiza- example,for office thenbecause the theyawareness felt that for if tions in Pittsburgh that represent- women’s interests, and women’s ed the women’s movement. issues would be raised. Therefore, Ann Begler, the lawyer for Pittsburgh Action Against Rape very important. (PAAR), was another case. In that getting women elected to office was case, a rapist was demanding the C/P: How did you select the people to interview and take sessions at PAAR. The outcome of photographs of? thisfiles casefrom was the avictim’s law that counseling guaranteed

PMU: started in Pittsburgh in 1969. They P/C:confidentiality. How involved were you with reprinted The articles first feminist about feminismpress was demonstrations and rallys? and distributed them all over the country. In a collection at the PMU: When I was in graduate University of Pittsburgh Library school the ERA was up for vote in Archive, I found a report from 1976 Illinois, so I went on some of these - marches and rallies. I’ve been to zations and I used that report as a Take Back the Night Marches. The guide.that identified 48 feminist organi period of the project is 1967-1989. - Any actions you see represented tions and contact information, so I in the exhibit are from that time was ableI wasto identify able to who find theorganiza lead- period. ers were in 1976. Initially it was ‘who were the founding members P/C: What has changed the most of NOW in Pittsburgh?’ And two since the movement started, spe- of them, Cindy Judd Hill and Anita Fine, were still alive. They are there sexism and discrimination against - women)?cifically in Pittsburgh (in terms of ential in the community. They were highlybecause visible they areand obviously were invited influ to PMU: In 1968-69 when Wilma be a part of NOW. Many of NOW Scott Heide and other members of members were not only leaders NOW were advocating having sex locally, but served on the national to be included in the anti-discrim- board. I looked for people who ination ordinance, it meant that it would be illegal to discriminate for women, and if you had a college against women. degree in math, there weren’t jobs Something that’s not pre- listed in the women’s column. sented in the exhibit, but was really So, once sex was added to important for women in early 70s, anti-discrimination ordinance, the was that girls couldn’t participate - in extramural athletics. Members plaint against Pittsburgh Press for of NOW worked with legislators violatinglocal chapter the lawof NOW because filed their a com ad- and picketed at a little league tour- vertisements were discriminatory. nament in Williamsport where girls The Pittsburgh Press denied they weren’t allowed to play. The mem- were discriminating against wom- bers of NOW had the law changed, en, but the Common Pleas Court and it became illegal to discrimi- ruled they were in violation of the nate against girls in sports. It’s Pittsburgh anti-discrimination not perfect now, but girls are able ordinance. The Pittsburgh Press ap- to participate in sports, and the pealed that ruling at every level un- schools provide budgets for them to do so. We know girls who par- said they were violating the Ordi- ticipate in athletics are less likely nancetil, finally, by separating the U. S. Supreme the job ads.Court to get pregnant, and more likely to This meant newspapers in all states had to stop advertising certain jobs of Pennsylvania has an ERA, which membersfinish high of school. NOW lobbiedAlso, the for. state There was the Pittsburgh precedent-settingspecifically for women case. and certain Press case, which was very impor- jobs specifically for men. It was a tant in terms of overt discrimina- P/C: What do you want the tion, because prior to that Supreme viewer to get when they leave Court decision it had been com- the exhibit? Is there a definitive monplace to discriminate against message? women in ads for jobs (as shown in the display case of newspaper clip- PMU: Well, I think the message is pings). The jobs that are circled (in that Pittsburgh was a major center the exhibit) seem to show the same of the women’s movement. There job for man and women, but if you were hundreds of people in Pitts- look closely the starting salary burgh who worked so hard to gain is less for women and men were equal rights for women, and I want promised room for advancement to pay tribute to the ones that did. where women weren’t. Also, only men would apply in the section P/C : It seems that many of the for jobs for men and only women materials are informative. Was your original intention to per- would apply in the section specified suade, or just inform about the movement?

PMU: My intent is to inform. I hoped to raise awareness about this inspiring aspect of our region’s history, and I ultimately want to write a book. Additional acknowledgements: Special thanks to Dr. Paticia Ulbrich for her patience and editorial assistance, Greg Singer ’15 for additional help with editing and citations, Dr. Brian Harward in Allegheny College’s Center for Political Participation, and Drs. Deb Dickey and Barbara Shaw in the Women’s Studies program for their support of this project.