As the Democratic National Convention kicked off in Chicago, the excitement and enthusiasm in the air were unmistakable. At the iconic Palmer House Hilton, the Feminist Majority and ERA Coalition hosted the Feminist Equalitea, bringing together a diverse and dynamic crowd and filling the historic State Ballroom with more than 400 passionate advocates for equality. There was a coalition of seasoned activists and eager newcomers alike, all united by a shared commitment to ensuring women and young voters are the difference-makers in the 2024 election.
The event kicked off with inspiring opening remarks from Zakiya Thomas, President of the ERA Coalition. “If you’re a woman, if you’re a woman of color, racism and sexism come together so much and we have been oppressed for so long, that we don’t even realize we’ve been marginalized in so many ways,” said Thomas.
Lisa Ann Walter, beloved star of the hit show “Abbott Elementary,” offered a comedic, yet heartfelt, perspective on the importance of the ERA, using humor to underscore the serious need for gender equality in today’s world. The excitement only grew as Feminist Majority President Ellie Smeal took the stage to celebrate Kamala Harris’s historic candidacy and the progress made toward enshrining the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the Constitution.
As the program unfolded, a stellar lineup of speakers took the stage to emphasize the stakes in this election and what we must do to secure victory. We were joined by Carol Jenkins, Chair of the ERA Coalition, and polling expert Celinda Lake who provided key insights, highlighting how issues like abortion rights and women’s equality are driving women voters across the country to the polls. We even had a surprise appearance by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi to energize the crowd!
Civil rights icon Dolores Huerta and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis took the stage to underscore the vital role of mobilizing Latina voters and the Honorable Betty Yee followed with a compelling discussion on energizing AAPI women voters. A standout moment of the event was hearing from Holli Holliday, President of Sisters Lead Sisters Vote, and Melanie L. Campbell, CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, who both spoke passionately about the mobilization of Black women voters—a group that has consistently been at the forefront of social and political change in the United States.
The event also celebrated the multi-generational fight for the ERA. Tina Tchen and Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun reflected on the significant progress made so far, while leaders from the last three states to ratify the ERA—Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, Virginia State Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy, Virginia State Delegate Charniele Herring, Nevada State Senator Pat Spearman, and Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton—shared powerful stories of perseverance and victory. Their words served as both a reminder of how far we’ve come and a call to action for the work still ahead.
As the event drew to a close, Congresswoman Cori Bush and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley delivered impassioned speeches on the urgency of placing the ERA in the Constitution, while Christian Nunes, President of NOW, and law professor Michele Bratcher Goodwin highlighted why this fight remains crucial for the future of equality in America.
The Equalitea was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful testament to the resilience and resolve of those advocating for equality. The message was clear: the fight for the ERA and women’s rights is far from over, and with this level of commitment and passion, victory is within reach.