Media Alert Women’s Equality Day: “Lib Day” Revisited

“Lib Day!”
“And Men Will Know It If the Gals Get Way”
“No Bra Burning in Rally”

Those were some of the Chicago newspaper headlines on August 26, 1970. On that day, the 50th anniversary of women’s suffrage, Betty Friedan (author of the best-selling The Feminine Mystique and founding president of the National Organization for Women) called for women across the country to strike for equality. It was a galvanizing day for the young feminist movement: hundreds of thousands of women joined together to demand equal rights.

Betty Friedan died February 4 on her 85th birthday. The Veteran Feminists of America will honor her memory and celebrate the achievements of this Illinois native on Tuesday, August 22.

Who:
A group of women who were leading Chicago activists in the women’s movement of the ‘60s and ‘70s will gather to provide the real story behind those headlines. They will offer a behind-the-scenes view of the early days. They will be joined by a group of young women who are actively involved in the movement today.

What:
A discussion about the women’s movement of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Was it successful? How was it covered by the news media? What was the real story behind the headlines? What was Betty Friedan really like? Is the women’s movement alive today? Is feminism relevant?

When:
Tuesday, August 22
10:00 am

Where:
Union League Club (where women used to have to use the back door!)
65 W. Jackson, Chicago
Marble Room – 3rd floor

Why:
Celebrate Women’s Equality Day and salute the late Betty Friedan for her achievements as the “mother of the modern day women’s movement”

Contact for more information:
Kathy Rand
Veteran Feminists of America
312-543-2423
ksrand@aol.com