The Norman Transcript

Local news

March 18, 2009

OU's Women's Studies Program launches video/oral history of Oklahoma's activists

The Women's Studies Program at the University of Oklahoma recently launched a video/oral history project focusing on activists who participated in the campaign for the Equal Rights Amendment in Oklahoma from 1972-1982.

Jill Irvine, director of the Women's Studies Program, welcomed guests to the opening reception, which honored the many activists in attendance. Women's Studies faculty and students also joined leaders from across the state in celebrating the commitment and hard work of these activists and the project's goal of preserving their stories.

Martha Skeeters, associate professor of women's studies and adjunct associate professor of history at OU, introduced the project, "Red Dirt Women and Power: A Video/Oral History of Oklahoma's Activists in the Campaign for the Equal Rights Amendment."

The title reflects the grit shown by Oklahoma's activists as they fought battle after battle, seeking ratification of the amendment by the Oklahoma legislature, Skeeters said, noting that the grassroots campaign involved women from one end of the state to the other and received national attention. Although the goal of ratification would not be met, Skeeters said, the networks of activists forged during the campaign have continued to this day, both as powerful friendships and as forces for the improved status of women and girls in Oklahoma.

During the reception, activist Becky Patten recalled her own participationin the state coalition as well as that of her mother, Jane Patten, who led Norman's ERA coalition. Also, Caitlyn Wright, a women's studies major, spoke for students in thanking earlier generations of activists for the work they have done to provide greater opportunities for young women today. These students, she said, are continuing the commitment to equal rights and social justice.

The Women's Studies Program is interested in hearing from others who were active in the ERA campaign. For more information, e-mail or call Skeeters or Julie Stidolph in the Women's Studies Program at womstudy@sooner.net.ou.edu or 325-6849.

Text Only
Local news
  • 20120210_engineering4.JPG Sequoyah students tour OU

    Native American high school students from Tahlequah’s boarding school, Sequoyah Schools, visited the University of Oklahoma campus yesterday as part of a special recruitment program sponsored and organized by Sooner Engineering Education ...

    February 11, 2012 4 Photos 1 Video

  • Audit leads to arrest

    A Norman woman has been charged with embezzlement after her employer alleged she made payments to herself and others, in the amount of $14,286.08, using unauthorized checks....

    February 11, 2012

  • 20120210_bird3.JPG All about the birds

    MOORE — There was some squawking and ruffled feathers Friday at Moore Central Junior High school....

    February 11, 2012 4 Photos 1 Video

  • Veterans give lesson in flag etiquette

    MOORE — Veterans continuing to serve Old Glory through the Veterans School Flag Program presented a flag etiquette class to students at Moore High School on Friday....

    February 11, 2012

  • Norman man convicted of rape

    A Cleveland County jury has convicted a Norman man on one count of first-degree rape and one count of second-degree rape by instrumentation....

    February 11, 2012

  • City candidates discuss balance of funding

    By Joy Hampton Transcript Staff Writer Local Democrats have been hosting city council candidates at their weekly Cornbread and Beans luncheon held Fridays at Norman’s new events center, Catering Creations, 3750 W. Main. The meal is served ...

    February 11, 2012

  • Norman Meals on Wheels receives grant as recognition for “Share The Love” event

    Meals on Wheels of Norman, Inc. has been awarded a $2,000 grant from Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) in recognition of its participation in MOWAA's “Share The Love” Most Meals Contest. As part of Subaru of America, Inc.'s ...

    February 11, 2012

  • Weekend to see wintry mix

    Winter weather has finally arrived. Although Norman is not likely to see a heavy accumulation of precipitation, the National Weather Service predicts that the area is in for a messy Monday morning commute....

    February 11, 2012

  • Company aims to aid growth

    A new company to join the Noble and Norman Chambers of Commerce is in the business of helping merchants build their clientele through client retention and contact management. Dawn McNutt, executive director of the Noble Chamber of ...

    February 11, 2012

  • 20120209_protest.JPG Union members protest GCI at new OU dorm site

    Members of Carpenters Local Union No. 329 conducted a protest Thursday morning in front of the construction site of a new dormitory on the University of Oklahoma campus....

    February 10, 2012 1 Photo 1 Video

The Business Marquee
Facebook