A Group of Women was an American feminist organization in the 1980s who committed a series of actions in support of the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Sonia Johnson was a notable member of this organization that advocated for the use of civil disobedience to raise awareness about the need for the ERA. [1]
Nonviolent actions
Formerly known as the Congressional Union after the suffrage group, A Group of Women advocated for militant actions on behalf of the ERA. They were affiliated with protests including spilling fake blood in front of the National Archives in Washington, D.C. [2] Maureen Fiedler, a Roman Catholic nun, was arrested as this protest. [2] The group drew a significant amount of attention when they blocked traffic in front of the National Archives. [3] Women affiliated with this group held a sign at the protest that read, "Honor Thy Mother. Put Her in the Constitution." [4]
Members
Sonia Johnson, Sister Maureen Fiedler and Mary Ann Beall were all affiliated with A Group of Women. [5] The Des Moines Register reported Johnson was a leader of the organization. [6] Leslie Stewart from Boca Raton, Florida was also a member. She featured prominently in a photo that ran in the Arizona Republic in July 1982, [7] and in an article in the South Florida Sun in April 1983. [8]
See also
References
- ^ Johnson, Sonia (1987). Going out of our minds : the metaphysics of liberation. Freedom, Calif.: Crossing Press. p. 31. ISBN 0-89594-239-9. OCLC 15550086.
- ^ a b "ERA backers spill blood on copy of the Constitution". The Des Moines Register. July 2, 1982. Retrieved 2022-09-05.
- ^ Kaul, Donald (July 4, 1982). "Even Some 'White Hats' Are Creeps". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2022-09-05.
- ^ "ERA Reintroduction in Congress Expected July 14". Asbury Park Press. July 2, 1982.
- ^ "Parties, Wakes Mark ERA's End". The Herald. June 30, 1982. Retrieved 2022-09-05.
- ^ "ERA Backers Spill Blood on a Copy of the Constitution". The Des Moines Register. July 2, 1982.
- ^ "Women Spill Blood in ERA Protest". Arizona Republic. July 2, 1982. Retrieved 2022-09-05.
- ^ "She Made Sacrifices for ERA Cause". South Florida Sun Sentinel. April 22, 1983. Retrieved 2022-09-05.