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| The FL Feminist |
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| February 2023 |
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On Feminism
Women's rights afire
Spark of equality shines bright
United, we will soar
Written by Artificial Intelligence
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| President's Column |
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President's Column
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FL NOW Members
Thank you so much for all of your protests, rallies, marches, and sign waving to protest the loss of a human right; abortion. You really made a statement in your community. We have pictures in this issue. You all look so motivated.
Just in the first month, 2023 is more horrible than we imagined due to the legislature and DeSatan. The GOP of the legislature and DeSatan are raging racists and anti-feminist. We are releasing press releases as fast as we can to condemn DeSatan’s and the GOP of the legislature’s criminal and evil actions.
Chapters can release press releases too. Please volunteer to do a press release for your chapter President. We will be uploading our press releases to the web so you can edit for local release. Whenever you are at an event and there is media, ask to be interviewed. As a NOW member or Chapter President, you are likely to get the interview. Let’s hope with all the atrocities that DeSatan is committing, he will irrevocably hurt himself.
Kat and Barbara have started the legislative action alerts for your action and are creating the list of the top 5 best bills and top 5+ bad bills. I know it is hard not to be discouraged because the change he and the legislature are driving is so bad and will be hard to reverse. His racism is apparent as I say in many of our press releases. We have to be loud. We will never give up. I hope the pendulum will swing the other way in a relatively short period of time. Hang in there and FIGHT! I know it is hard.
Remember it is Black History Month. What can you highlight for your Chapter about the history of Black Women? There is a wonderful, short book by Bell Hooks called “Ain’t I A Woman” that details some of this history for black females. Bell Hooks was a prominent Black Feminist who recently died. I love her books.
Women’s History Month is in March. The first 2023 Equal Pay Day is March 15th, recognizing how long it takes for an average woman to be paid as much as a man. The AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) (May 3rd) LGBTQIA (June 3rd), Black Women's (September 21st), Native Women's (November 30th) and Latina (December 8th) Equal Pay Days are much further out in the year for people of color shamefully.
We had positive feedback on the Newsletter. Judi Marracciniis the master mind with input from some on the Board. We’ll try to keep it upbeat and informative on what FL NOW and Chapters are doing. We appreciate any feedback and input you might have. Send us pictures!
Thanks for all you do!
Debbie Deland, President
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| Black History Month / Black Women Resistance |
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Did you know that Black Women Resisted from the days of slavery to now. Black women wanted freedom and played a major role in getting it. Being a Black body was significantly worse for women. The crimes against women were atrocious from being burned alive, raped, forced to be pregnant, whipped and worked so hard it was criminal, but Black Women Resisted, facing punishments for seeking freedom. Black Women Resistance showed in a number of ways, e.g., suicide, infanticide, abortion, burning down a barn with horses in it. Make no mistake Black Women wanted freedom and equality and resisted in every way they could. There is significant history of Black Women's Resistance. A great example is Rosa Parks. Today, one of our acts of Resistance is to Vote.
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| In this issue |
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- 2023 Feminist Calendar
- FLNOW Book Club February and March Picks
- FL Roe V Wade Events
- Spotlight on the LGBTQIA+ Task Force
- Black History Month
- And More
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| Black FL Women in History |
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Mary Bethune
Bethune had an "ebony" complexion. She carried a cane for effect, rather than mobility support, stating that it gave her "swank". She was a teetotaler and preached temperance for African Americans, chastising blacks who were intoxicated publicly. Bethune said more than once that the school and the students in Daytona were her first family and that her son and extended family came second. Her students often referred to her as "Mama Bethune".
She was noted for achieving her goals. Dr. Robert Weaver, who also served in Roosevelt's Black Cabinet, said of her, "She had the most marvelous gift of effecting feminine helplessness in order to attain her aims with masculine ruthlessness. When a white Daytona resident threatened Bethune's students with a rifle, Bethune worked to make an ally of him. The director of the McLeod Hospital recalled, "Mrs. Bethune treated him with courtesy and developed such goodwill in him that we found him protecting the children and going so far as to say, 'If anybody bothers old Mary, I will protect her with my life.'"
She priortised self-sufficiency throughout her life. Bethune invested in several businesses, including the Pittsburgh Courier, a black newspaper, and many life insurance companies. She also founded Central Life Insurance of Florida and later retired in Florida. Due to state segregation, blacks were not allowed to visit the beach. Bethune and several other business owners responded by investing in and purchasing Paradise Beach, a 2-mile (3.2 km) stretch of beach and the surrounding properties, selling these to black families. They also allowed white families to visit the waterfront. Eventually, Paradise Beach was named Bethune-Volusia Beach in her honor and she even held 25% ownership of the Welricha Motel in Daytona.she was an amazing woman.
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| Moving Forward |
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- ADOPT a week in TALLY
- 3/7 - 3/16 Potential Abortion Mobilization / Tally
- 5/19 - 5/21 FLNOW State Conference / Orlando
- 6/30 - 7/2 National NOW Conference / Arlington, Virginia
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| Black FL Women in History |
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Roxcy O’Neal Bolton
Roxcy O'Neal Bolton was an American feminist and civil rights activist who is widely referred to as the mother of the modern feminist movement in Florida. Bolton was president of the Dade County chapter of the National Organization for Women and was eventually elected national vice president of NOW.
In 1974, she founded the first rape treatment center in the country, at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. She also founded Women in Distress, the first women’s rescue shelter in Florida, in 1972, according to the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame.
Bolton was also passionate about local government and attended Coral Gables city council meetings until just months before her death.
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| Roxcy O'Neil Bolton with Eleanor Roosevelt |
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| ADOPT A WEEK IN TALLY |
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FL NOW will register support or opposition at various Committee meetings in Tallahassee. FL NOW, through our members, needs to have a presence in Tally. Are we going to win? Maybe on a couple, but you're right, we're going to lose on many.
It is easy to say "it doesn't matter if I testify or put opposition or support cards into various committees". It does matter.
We can't be silent, and we can never give up. Over time we can make the pendulum swing the other way.
Please volunteer to make a trip to Tally. It only takes one or two from a Chapter. Barbara DeVane, our lobbyist, needs our support. Imagine what she faces it every day. She will be your escort at the capitol. We are no longer doing Tally Days because they are not effective. We need to be at as many committee meetings as possible over the time that there are committee meetings.
There are two ways to Adopt-A-Tally-Week. First, sign on for a specific week. Or wait for short notice and go to Tally when Barbara says a lot of our issues are on committee agendas.
The bills that are going to be covered by which committee aren't released until the Friday before the following week. . It is best to go for Monday afternoon, Tuesday, and Wednesday whether claiming a week or going on short notice.
Please do volunteer to go to Tally. Our voices have to be heard. There are inexpensive accommodations or reasonable hotel for the visit. We know this is a big ask, but it is important we are there to register, especially our opposition.
Contact Arlene Ustin for your adoption of Tally.
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| Roe V Wade Pictures |
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So many Events around FL on the weekend of January 22.
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February Book Club Pick |
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Reminder: The February FLNOW BookClub Pick is "THICK" by Tressie McMillan Cottom. The discussion will be 02/20/23 at 6:30pm. Contact Debbie Deland for more information.
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March Book Club Pick |
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By Kai Thomas. The fates of two unforgettable women - one just beginning a journey of reckoning and self-discovery and the other completing her last vital act. Set at the terminus of the Underground Railroad.
Discussion 3/20 6:30PM email president@flnow.org to join the Book Club
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| 2023 Feminist Planning Calendar |
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January
29 Hollywood Pride
February
Black History Month, 4 Pride/DeLand, 11 Pride/Ft. Lauderdale, 18 Pride/Tallahassee
March
Women's History Month, 8 International Women's Day, 10 National Abortion Provider Appreciation Day 15 Average Woman Equal Pay Day
April
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), 22 Earth Day
2023 Equal Pay Days
Average Woman 03/15, AAPI Women 5/15, LGBTQIA+ 6/15, Black Women 9/21, Native Women 11/30, Latina 12/8
Watch for Local Events to Table At!
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May
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, 15 AAPI Women Equal Pay Day , 05/19 - 05/21 FLNOW State Conference/ Orlando FL
June
LGBTQA+Pride Month, 15 LGBTQIA Equal Pay Day, 23 Anniversary of Title IX, 06/30 - 07/02 NOW Conference, Arlington VA,
July Organize for Elections
August 26 Women's Equality Day
September. National Hispanic Heritage Month, 4 Labor Day, 21 Black Women Equal Pay Day
October
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 11 Day of the Girl, 19 Love Your Body
November Native American Heritage Month, 7 Election Day, 30 Native Women Equal Pay Day
December 8 Latina Equal Pay Day
Plan for Next Year!
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| CLICK for FLNOW |
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We need you to take a few minutes a day to CLICK for FLNOW!
Did you know that FLNOW has a Facebook Page?
This month we have Black History posts on our FB page.
The link is: https://www.facebook.com/FLNOW
Please "like" these posts and repost them DAILY -- including sharing them to your chapter's FB page.
Thanks for the CLICK for FLNOW!
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| Strong Women, Strong Movies |
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The Glorias |
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Based on Gloria Steinem's autobiographical book, My Life On The Road, "THE GLORIAS" weaves a compelling, nontraditional tapestry of one of the most inspirational and legendary figures in modern history.
(Available on Prime Video)
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Call Jane |
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A married woman with an unwanted pregnancy lives in a time in America where she can't get a legal abortion and works with a group of suburban women to find help.
(available on Prime Video)
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Women Talking |
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Do nothing. Stay and fight. Or leave. In 2010, the women of an isolated religious community grapple with reconciling a brutal reality with their fate.
Shown in local theaters
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| Spotlight on LGBTQIA+ Rights Task Force |
- Beck Andre' heads up this very important Task Force.
- Palm Beach County created a LGBTQIA+Resources Webpage devoted to education and information
- PBC Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center: December 1, 2022 celebrated National AIDS Awareness Day with 25 Memorial Quilts displayed in their glorious conference room. Two local panels were inducted into the AIDS Memorial Quilt in a ceremony of 100+ participants.
- Anyone can create and induct a panel! Beck Andre shared the story of her mother's oldest brother to her sister's children and encourages them to design a panel in his honor: Harry Neil Weise
- Compass holds an inspiring PRIDE parade and two-day event. Please save the upcoming dates, March 25 + 26. PBC NOW staffed a table with flyers and spoke with hundreds in 2022.
- PBC Libraries beautifully designed and now distributes lists of LGBTQ+ Rainbow Roundtable Favorite Books 2022 in six categories: Nonfiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Young Adults, Adolescent, and Picture Books.
- PBC Public Schools are doing a great job of keeping most titles on shelves, but with this FL administration it is a challenge.
- PBC NOW also pays close attention to Florida LGBTQ+ Dems - get involved!
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| Chapter Upcoming Events |
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Pinellas NOW February
Sunday, 2/12 Meetup at 7venth Sun Brewery 2 to 7 p.m.
6809 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604.
Key West NOW February
February 2 at 5:30pm at the VFW, 220 North Roosevelt Blvd. Key West - New gathering of those interested in socializing, getting acquainted and having discussions. Contact Donna Windle for more information and purpose 305-304-1863
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| MOVE To Amend |
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Black/African American History observances this month will acknowledge people and events deserving to be remembered in the past and supported in the present in the quest for justice, and peace for all African Americans.
Observances should include how corporations and those of immense wealth have amassed political power and economic wealth by exploiting racism toward people of color, especially African Americans, in this country over several centuries.
Not to be overlooked is the corporate hijacking of the Fourteenth Amendment, intended to provide legal due process and equal protection to African Americans when it was ratified in 1868. Two decades later, the Supreme Court hijacked the decision, ruling that a corporation is a “person” with the same due process and equal protection rights intended exclusively for African Americans.
The Court invalidated approximately 200 economic regulations of businesses from 1905 until the mid-1930’s passed by legislators under the due process clause of the 14th Amendment.
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Governments could no longer pass laws to protect or favor local businesses over chain stores or family farms over agribusinesses. Large corporations have perverted the Fourteenth Amendment as both a shield to protect themselves and a sword to successfully challenge public laws that they claim are “discriminatory” that were intended to protect people and communities.
Much attention will be appropriately devoted this month to the history of the movements to abolish slavery and the movement for fundamental civil rights – as a stepping stone to fundamental human rights.
The institution of slavery, which for millennia was deemed as an inevitable reality of human existence, was (minus the exceptions clause) abolished in this country due to a massive, dedicated and diverse people’s movement – including people of color and others risking their lives.
It’s past time to abolish all corporate constitutional rights. A dedicated and diverse people’s movement is needed – with inspiration and learnings taken from the anti-slavery, civil rights and all movements – enshrining the rights of people over property, including corporations.
(Text provided by "Move To Amend")
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| Did You Know? |
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The Black History Month 2023 theme "Black Resistance", recognizes African Americans' resistance to historic oppression in pursuit of self-determination and equality.
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| FLNOW Task Force Blurbs by Arlene Ustin |
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2023 is here! FLNOW needs your active support in the continuing fights against the unacceptable and outrageous assaults on our democratic values and rights.
Below are our FLNOW Task Forces. Please join us in making NOW gain ground in the social / political arenas and let's educate the public.
Reproductive Rights: Amy Weintraub Monthly zooms are held and we need NOW members to attend, especially since the overturn of Roe v. Wade. When organizations work in coalitions rather than in local advocacy, more effective actions can reverse this situation.
Constitutional Equality (ERA): Nancy Terreri - This Task Force is part of the National ERA Coalition and Fund for Women's Equality. The ERA wraps around every issue which impacts women with 280 members who will present resolutions in both chambers of the 118th US Congress. Help Nancy get the ERA into the US Constitution.
LGBTQIA+ Rights: Beck Andre - Does excellent work in coalition with other organizations, especially Compass Center, which is in Palm Beach County and has far reaching connections. Please join us in "Saying Gay"!
Freedom from Violence: Kat Duesterhaus & Beck Andre - Members of this Task Force engage local Sexual Response Teams to promote the responses that Start By Believing. Join us in making Florida safer for all people by advocating for survivors.
Families Against Court Travesties (FACTS): Natalie Andre & Sheila Jaffe - Serving women and some men for over 20 years who face horrible treatment in court. FACTS created Court Watch, which adds a vital public dimension to proceedings so that the demeanor and behavior of presiding judges and attorneys, which are frequently biased against the mother, can be raised to the level of fair hearings.
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