The grand dame of Illinois politics has died. Dawn Clark Netsch was 86. I had the honor of meeting her on several occasions, usually at fundraisers and luncheons, and each time I would introduce myself to her, she was always gracious. Sometimes I wouldn't say anything, just stand back and watch her as she greeted fans, old friends in her friendly way. For me, she still has one of the best political ads ever -- the straight shooter. Sadly, I couldn't find it in a quick YouTube search, so let me describe it. When she ran for Governor of Illinois in 1994, she ended an ad with her playing pool and making a great shot while someone said "Dawn Clark Netsch, a straight shooter." You can see her holding a cue stick in the photo as she claimed victory after the Democratic primary. Somehow I'm sure the ad will find its way to the internets today.
I did find that the Chicago History Museum has a 9-part oral history series on her.
She was an inspiration and while I didn't know her personally, I feel a great loss today. Especially as I am headed to a fancy luncheon where a lot of Chicago's power women will be in attendance. It's an event where the chances would had been high Dawn would have appeared. In a state filled with politicians who have broken so many promises and fallen from their pedestals, Dawn would always get a standing ovation anytime she was pointed out in a crowd.
Thanks, Dawn Clark Netsch. May we all serve as graciously as you did.
From A to Z, discover your power to speak up for what you believe in and change the world! With empowering language and vibrant illustrations, this alphabet board book calls little ones to action with big and small steps that children can take to lead the way and become the next generation of activists. Written by Veronica I. Arreola Illustrated by María Díaz Perera Purchase your copy today! Women and Children First Using my Bookshop Affiliate link Using my Amazon affiliate link
Listen & Subscribe at Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts Kim Moldofsky is an all-around creative person and lifelong learner with a penchant for adventure. Inspired by Amelia Earhart, she recently flew in a restored 1929 biplane. Read Kim's newsletter to keep up on all the things she has going on. This is her first book. Ways to support The Feminist Agenda podcast (affiliate links): Archer & Olive : Use code feminista10 to save 10% on most items Buy books my Bookshop site Purchase books mentioned and reviewed in this episode through my Bookshop affiliate links: It's Her Story: Amelia Earhart a Graphic Novel Hail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National Women's Football League People & things mentioned in this episode: Wally Funk 1918 pandemic Amelia's NYT Letter to the Editor ERA Dr. Kristin Neff Follow The Feminist Agenda on Twitter 🟣 Instagram 🟣 Facebook The ...
After I posted about the Census and Dept of Ed boxes that don't properly include Latinos & Latinas, I received some comments & emails about this blog. Comments from Latinas about how they felt like they were raised in a feminist way, but without knowing or learning the word feminist. Comments about struggling with feminism as a Latina. Comments about feeling shunned in women's studies courses (as someone who has two women's studies minors broke my heart). So it's been stewing...What can I do about this? The Summer of Feminista (or so I'm calling it now, other suggestions much appreciated!) was born. If you are a Latina and have issues with feminism, things you want to discuss about feminism or merely reflect on how your abuelita raised you in such a radically feminist way despite the fact that she never uttered the word, then I am asking you to submit a guest blog post between the June 29th and Sept 14th, in other words, the rest of the summer. While I ...
