FM Jan 15: Ivy Bottini / Women’s March / Black Girlhood

This week on Feminist Magazine with host Lynn Harris Ballen ::  FIRST … Colorful, charismatic, magnetic, brilliant are just a few of the words used to describe Ivy Bottini, a woman who was at the forefront of both the second wave feminist movement and LGBT grassroots organizing. A new book – THE LIBERATION OF IVY BOTTINI: A Memoir of Love and Activism“, as told to author Judith V. Branzburg, has just been published. It’s an insider’s view and a model for activism young feminists and LGBT youth will learn from and be inspired by – in a dramatic and personal tale of a life of change and activism over the past fifty years.  We’re joined live by pioneering activist Ivy Bottini, and author Judith Branzburg.

THEN … There are lots of difficult conversations about the Women’s March in the air – including critiques of the very visible national leaders, as well as critiques of the reformist Feminism of local march events. With the third march coming up next Saturday January 19th, feminists of all kinds are dealing with the question of whether to march again and why it still matters.  Jewish women, including members of Bend the Arc and the National Council of Jewish Women continue to have urgent meetings with the national leadership team to address issues of anti-Semitism and racism, trying to call one another in (not call one another out).  But in the meantime, a group of Jewish activists are working to create contingents in marches across the country, including in Los Angeles. We’re joined by activist Rabbi Robin Podolsky who recently wrote about this in the Jewish Journal, reminding us to look at who benefits if the Women’s March, a key site of the anti-Trumpism, pro-democracy resistance, is fractured? And to hear more about the stake we all have in affirming intersectional politics within all the Women’s Marches around the country.

AND … From Ashy Knees to Activism, this year’s Black Doll Show exhibit, “Double Dutch a Celebration of Black Girlhood,” at the William Grant Still Arts Center explores the many nuances of black girlhood including play, social justice, education, hair and the black experience as seen through the eyes of a girl. Ande Richards talks to curators Myshell Tabu and her daughters Mma-Syrai and Ella about how the show affirms black women and girls by illustrating the depth, diversity and dynamism of black girlhood.