Suffolk’s chapter of Feminist Generation is participating in activism in new and innovative ways, calling upon students to get involved in issues of vital and pivotal importance that go beyond women’s rights.
“The definition of feminism that we all like to subscribe to is that feminism doesn’t really affect just women. Feminism as a whole is making sure everything is equal for everybody,” said Elauna Harris-Jones, a senior and the diversity, equity and inclusion chair for Feminist Generation Suffolk.
The events that Feminist Generation has planned for the rest of the semester center around issues surrounding transgender pride, immigrant rights and pro-Palestinian campaigns. Alongside law Professor Ragini Shah’s immigration clinic, the club will soon be debuting a “Know Your Rights” training that aims to educate Suffolk students on their rights if they encounter Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents.
The club has planned meetings along with events such as protests and rallies, that are all advertised on their Instagram.
The club is in the process of organizing a book sale to raise money for the national Feminist Generation organization, an event that was successful last year, according to Lindsey Salek, a senior and secretary for Feminist Generation. They also have scheduled a movie screening of “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” for March 24.
“I think we were shifting away from the ERA [Equal Rights Amendment] stuff and we were moving more towards current events and how people are being affected by all the things that are going on right now,” said Anna Roberts-Briggs, a junior and president of Feminist Generation Suffolk and the Northeast regional chair for Feminist Generation.
The ERA would guarantee women equal rights under the United States Constitution. This Amendment has been advocated for by the Women’s movement since it was first proposed in 1923 and requires just one more state, Virginia, to ratify to be turned into law. While the issue is important, the Feminist Generation organization has decided to turn their attention towards injustices felt by other marginalized groups within the nation.
“We’re putting [the ERA] on the back burner just because there’s more urgent things that we need to focus on,” said Roberts-Briggs.
With the presence of ICE in major cities and arguments surrounding trans rights, the club recognized the possibility to present students with a course of action for how to deal with times of uncertainty.
“Beyond the past is that, I think, now people are ready to take the grief and trauma and sorrow and concern and fear that came with the second Trump administration and put it to action. I think we’re seeing that across the country right n
ow, whether it be in Minnesota, whether it be in Chicago, whether it be here in Boston,” said Joey Pisani, a sophomore and vice president of Feminist Generation Suffolk.
During their Feb. 3 meeting, members had the opportunity to design their own buttons. Students were prompted to discuss why it was important for them to participate in the club as an icebreaker activity. Roberts-Briggs said the buttons serve not only as an entertaining, meaningful activity, but as a way for students to wear them to send a message outside of the club.
The club goes beyond activism and raising awareness; it is also about community.
“There’s a lot of things going on today in the world, so it’s a pretty crazy place, and not only are we here to educate people and show them how they can get involved, or we’re also here to be a safe space for anybody that is going through a rough time,” said Sanchez, a sophomore and treasurer for Feminist Generation Suffolk.
Suffolk’s chapter of Feminist Generation has made strides to creating a more informed and active community on campus through it’s organized efforts.
