A Group of Women

Sonia Johnson

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.[2] 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, and in an article in the South Florida Sun in April 1983.[6][7]

See also

References

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ a b c "ERA backers spill blood on copy of Constitution". The Des Moines Register. Des Moines, Iowa. Associated Press. 1982-07-02. p. 18. Retrieved 2024-05-15 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ Kaul, Donald (1982-07-04). "Even some 'white hats' are creeps". The Des Moines Register. Des Moines, Iowa. p. 19. Retrieved 2024-05-15 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "ERA reintroduction in Congress expected July 14". Asbury Park Press. Asbury Park, New Jersey. Associated Press. 1982-07-02. p. 45. Retrieved 2024-05-15 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ Wharton, Elizabeth (1982-06-30). "Parties, wakes mark ERA's end". Northwest Herald. Crystal Lake, Illinois. United Press International. p. 3. Retrieved 2024-05-15 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Women spill blood in ERA protest". Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. 1982-07-02. p. 10. Retrieved 2024-05-15 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ Brock, Gay (1983-04-22). "She made sacrifices for ERA cause". South Florida Sun Sentinel. Fort Lauderdale, Florida. p. 51. Retrieved 2024-05-15 – via Newspapers.com.