Women's Liberation and Feminism in the 60s and 70s

Focus on Florynce "Flo" Kennedy

• Introduction: Flo Kennedy epitomizes the feminist movement during the mid-20th century.
• Description: Known for her loud and bold activism in feminist and radical politics.

Early Life and Activism

• Kansas City Activism: Organized a boycott against a Coca-Cola bottler for racial discrimination.
• Move to New York (1942): Enrolled at Columbia University; faced and overcame discrimination in law school admissions.
• Law Practice: Aided the estates of Billie Holiday and Charlie Parker in legal matters.

Expanding Activism

• Frustration with Legal System: Turned focus to societal change, addressing racism and sexism.
• Media Workshop (1966): Challenged hiring practices in advertising.
• Involvement in Feminist Organizations: Early member of NOW, participated in abortion rights activism (Abramowicz v. Lefkowitz).
• Anti-Vietnam War Protests: Participated in broader social justice movements.

Political Involvement

• Feminist Party (1971): Supported Shirley Chisholm for president.
• National Women's Political Caucus: Worked on increasing women in politics.
• National Black Feminist Organization: Addressed unique challenges faced by Black women.

Notable Protests and Actions

• Miss America Pageant Protest (1968): Critiqued consumerism, beauty standards, and racism.
  • Associated with symbolic "bra burning".
• Harvard Pee-In (1973): Protested lack of women's facilities at Harvard.

Intersectionality and Feminism

• Intersectionality: Concept developed by Kimberlé Crenshaw (1989).
• Flo Kennedy's Role: Combined issues of race, gender, and class, exemplifying intersectional activism.

Legal and Social Examples

• DeGraffenreid v. General Motors: Highlighted challenges of intersectional discrimination faced by Black women.
• Contemporary Issues: Higher violence rates against Black trans women; differential treatment by law enforcement.

Conclusion

• Kennedy's Legacy: A key figure in combining civil rights, Black power, and women's rights through dynamic and public activism.
• Significance: Her work provided a new dynamic for feminist activism and highlighted the need for intersectional approaches.