Wednesday
marked the ninety-fifth anniversary of the 19th Amendment, a
monumental change to the United States Constitution granting women the
right to vote. For almost a
century, American women have had a voice in the political arena. To celebrate,
we created a list of OSU Press titles showcasing the strength and
indomitability of Pacific Northwest women. These literary ladies have spunk—and
they’re ready to share it!
Selections
from Abigail Scott Duniway’s Suffrage Newspaper 
Jean M. Ward
and Elaine A. Maveety
She
was egged. Hung in effigy. Despised for her beliefs. And yet, Abigail Scott
Duniway—women’s suffrage activist and Portland newspaper editor—continually combated
social injustices with tenacity and wit.
“When
women’s true history shall have been written, her part in the upbuilding of
this nation will astound the world.”
Remembering
the Power of Words
The Life of
an Oregon Activist, Legislator, and Community Leader 
Avel Louise
Gordly with Patricia A. Schechter
The
first African-American woman elected to the Oregon State Senate, Gordly was no
stranger to prejudice or adversity. From her childhood in a predominately white
Portland to her political career, Gordly shares her story with refreshing
frankness.
“Growing up,
finding my own voice was tied up with denying my voice or having it forcefully
rejected ... To this day—and I am today a very experienced public
speaker—preparation to speak takes a great deal of energy.”
Breaking
Trails in Politics and Law, A Memoir 
Betty
Roberts with Gail Wells
Returning
to college as a 32-year-old wife and mother, Roberts made challenging
convention a lifelong habit. From teacher to lawyer, state legislator, and
eventually Oregon’s first female Supreme Court Justice, Roberts simply didn’t
take no for an answer.
“In today’s
world, every woman should be able to explore her own life, discover her own
uniqueness, break her own trails, and pioneer her own destiny.”
A Woman’s
March to the Governorship 
Barbara
Roberts
One
of only two women ever elected to the Oregon governorship, Roberts shares the
complex life of a woman in power. Driven into public service by a deep passion
for the rights of children with disabilities, Roberts poignantly demonstrates
how professional and personal lives rarely fall into the tidy compartments we
so often wish they would.
“I know from
experience that women leaders are held to a different standard, a higher
standard… Gender too often defines leadership. This remains an unfinished
equity agenda.”
Radical
Politics and Outlaw Passions 
Michael
Helquist
Helquist’s
highly-anticipated book introduces readers to the fiercely independent Marie
Equi: activist, doctor, and one of the first well-known lesbians in Oregon.
Equi lived boldly, standing by her convictions even as they cost her great
personal sacrifice.
“[Marie Equi
was] the most interesting woman that ever lived in this state, certainly the
most fascinating, colorful, and flamboyant.”
One Woman’s
Journey to the Wild in Yellowstone Country 
Susan Marsh
Marsh’s
work chronicles her career working for the United States Forest Service. Pitted
against opposing ideals in a male-dominated field, Marsh struggled to reignite
passion for her work and find a place she called home.
"Like
the topography she traverses, Marsh delivers a trail of personal highs and
lows. Cheryl Strayed doesn’t have anything on Marsh as far as real, authentic,
informed passion for the wild." --Todd Wilkinson, Jackson
Hole News & Guide
Women Making
History in the Pacific Northwest 
Sue Armitage
Much
as Abigail Scott Duniway predicted, the Pacific Northwest was indeed built upon
the sacrifices and choices of women. In her new book, Armitage shows the
lasting impact of women upon society and culture; even before we could
celebrate “National Women’s Equality Day,” women have worked quietly to assure
the stability and security of their families and communities.