Dressed for Change: A Century of Equal Rights Activism
In 2021, New York Representative Carolyn B. Maloney wore a distinctive gown to the Met Gala that drew attention to one of the most protracted battles in American politics: the Equal Rights Amendment.
In 2021, New York Representative Carolyn B. Maloney wore a distinctive gown to the Met Gala that drew attention to one of the most protracted battles in American politics: the Equal Rights Amendment.
How can a dress support equal rights for women? In 2021, New York Representative Carolyn B. Maloney wore a distinctive gown to the Metropolitan Museum Gala that drew attention to one of the most protracted battles of American women’s political activism: the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Originally drafted by Alice Paul one hundred years ago, the ERA passed Congress by a bipartisan majority in 1972. It was quickly ratified by 35 states, but failed to meet the requisite minimum needed to become constitutional law before the 10-year deadline. However, renewed momentum by Maloney and others has put the amendment back on the legislative table. The design of her gown evokes the long legacy of women activists campaigning for equal rights using their bodies as a billboard.
Exhibitions at The New York Historical are made possible by Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang, the Saunders Trust for American History, the Evelyn & Seymour Neuman Fund, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. WNET is the media sponsor.
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