Equal Rights Amendment
E.R.A.
The Movement that Shaped Me
How important is the name you give your child? There have been countless studies, many claiming a name only matters if it is specific to a particular group or culture while other studies say a child’s name plays an important role in their societal place and personality. Regardless of studies and norms some names carry so much weight with them they guide a child’s life forever. I was given one of those names. My name is Equal Rights Amendment (E.R.A.) McCarthey and I want to share a little of how that name has shaped me.
The History Behind the Movement
More on E.R.A.
My mother, Judy Tallwing McCarthey, was an avid equal rights activist. She believed that all people deserve the same opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, culture, orientation or gender. Equality was still a hard-reached goal for her as a woman and a Native American. She was attending Arizona State University pursuing a degree in criminal justice and working with numerous others lobbying for the National Plan of Action and Equal Rights Amendment when she became pregnant with me in 1977. My mother didn’t let that stop her, in fact she decided that I deserved to have every opportunity and the name E.R.A. would remind both myself and the world of her dreams for me.
E.R.A. History
E.R.A. with Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem with Baby E.R.A. daughter of Arizona delegate Judy McCarthey to the First National Women’s Conference, at the White House, March, 1978. Photo copyright © 1978 Diana Mara Henry / www.dianamarahenry.com.
Women on the Move
Story Behind the Photo
Diana Mara Henry
On the Move Forum
Bay Path University held the “On the Move Forum”
ERA McCarthey holds a photo of herself as a six-month-old at the 1977 National Women’s Conference, and her six-month-old son Leo at the On the Move Forum, Bay Path University, 3/8/17. Photo by Lisa Quinones.
40th anniversary of first federally funded National Women’s Conference held in 1977.
Judy & E.R.A
E.R.A. saying a few words at one of the marches for equality while being held by her mother Judy Tallwing McCarthey.
Judy’s Amazing History
Judy Tallwing McCarthey is an amzing Native American Artist and visionary. She shares history and spirituality in her works.
Protesting for the E.R.A.
Demonstration supporting the Equal Rights Amendment. Many women and men came together and changed society.
E.R.A. Poster
Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.
Baby E.R.A.
The baby picture that inspired the poster drawn by Judy Tallwing McCarthey for Equal Voice in 1978.
National Commissioner
Judy Tallwing McCarthey appointed the National Women’s Commissioner by President Carter.
E.R.A. McCarthey
1977
Photo Signed by President Carter
From what I hear I enjoyed my time at the White House immensely. I was so happy I peed myself, on President Carter no less. He was gracious enough to overlook it and signed my baby picture along with his wife Rosalynn.
