The 1970s was an active decade in women’s history. Title IX, the ERA, the National Women’s Political Caucus and “Ms.” magazine came into being. Roe v. Wade was decided, Bea Arthur tackled the abortion issue and young girls could finally join Little League. The decade also brought with it many fabulous women that made headlines. Here’s a look at several of them:
Barbara Jordan (1936-1996)
In the 1970s, Barbara Jordan continued to knock down racial and gender barriers. She won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, participated in the impeachment hearing against former President Richard Nixon and delivered the keynote speech at the 1976 Democratic National Convention. She also fought tirelessly for the working class.
Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005)
Barbara Jordan wasn’t the only African American female to make political strides in the 1970s. Shirley Chisholm was making inroads of her own. She held a seat in the U.S. Congress, ran for President, sat on the House Rules Committee and helped found the National Women’s Political Caucus. She later went on to assist in the founding of the National Political Congress of Black Women.
Billy Jean King (1943)
As Jordan and Chisholm fought for women in the political arena, Billy Jean King battled it out on the tennis courts, literally. In the fall of 1973, she proved to the world just some of what women were capable of during her match against Bobby Riggs. Of course it wasn’t her only accomplishment either. Her list of achievements is long and venerable. Among them are the founding of the Mylan World Team Tennis, the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Women’s Tennis Association.
Karen Silkwood (1946-1974)
Karen Silkwood was another woman that made headlines in the 1970s. Unfortunately, some of them were related to her death. She spent part of her life bringing attention to health and safety issues related to nuclear power. In the years since, her efforts and death has been the subject of television programs, books and film. Those interested in learning more about her may want to consider watching the film “Silkwood” (1983) or reading Richard L. Rashke’s book “The Killing of Karen Silkwood: The Story Behind the Kerr-McGee Plutonium Case.”
Louise J. Brown (1978)
Although she didn’t know it at the time, Louise J. Brown also made news in the 1970s. Her birth marked the start of successful in vitro fertilization. At the time, it was an advancement that was heralded by some and vilified by others. By the early 1980s, the first test tube baby in America was born. Additional information about the history behind IVF may be found in the PBS film “Test Tube Babies.
Source: Personal Experience
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Top 5 Memorable Movies from 1970 to 1975
Super 1970s Love Songs to Play on Valentine’s Day
Rise, Fall and Resurgence of Skateparks: 1970s to 2000
1970s Disco Themed Party Games and Activities for Teens
