1. Women’s Activism in the 1950s and 1960s
“Who run the world?”
--Beyoncé
“Man, I feel like a woman.”
--Shania Twain

2. 1950s: Hidden Activism
Fear of communism polarized politics ( “us” v. “them”) so any non democratic, capitalist view was silenced everywhere – in schools, government, universities, etc.
Any opposition was “un-American” and not tolerated
Activists were targeted and often fired
Therefore, many people didn’t voice their views if they were different than the government
However, activist organizations remain to fight for various causes like civil rights for blacks, Latinos, gays, workers, etc.
Separated “women’s issues” from “labor” and “race”

3. Unions
Because women made up a greater percentage of the workforce, they joined existing unions like the Congress of Industrial Organization (CIO) or created new unions to protect themselves in the workplace
Black women became some of the most militant female activists in many unions like who challenged racial discrimination and advocated for a cleaner workplace and better pay
Unions were predominantly made up of working class women and women of color

4. Voluntary Associations
Because many middle class women did not work outside the home, they could not join labor unions
Thus, they participated in voluntary associations like the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
These organizations focused on women’s rights and social reform as well as civil rights

5. Feminism and Civil Rights
Race, gender, and class were all connected so the issues the unions and voluntary associations as well as the working class, middle class, and elites were working on were connected and can be labeled “feminist”

6. What is feminism? What it is NOT:
A white, middle class problem in opposition to either working class women or women who work in the home
Against men
Women rejecting the role of housewife
Includes problems faced by ALL women of ALL races and socioeconomic statues
What it is:
Creating an equal, just society for EVERYONE

7. How is feminism connected to Civil Rights Movements?
It connects race, class, and gender in ways that affected black women as well as Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans
Community organizing involved women and built the movement around their concerns
The goals of feminism and the Civil Rights Movement were connected because both fought for:
Civil and political equality were about women
Economic issues: poverty
Job-related issues: affirmative action, discrimination
Discrimination in housing
Peace vs. war/violence