Liz Carpenter was the quintessential political Renaissance woman of the 20th century: a savvy White House staffer, political and campaign operative, and catalyst for a national movement to increase the number of women in elected office. It’s impossible to summarize her extraordinary life in a blog– so thank goodness we now have the film: “Shaking Things Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter. ” It screens on October 16th at the School of Communications Theater, and includes a live conversation with directors Christy Carpenter (Liz’s daughter) and Abby Ginzberg. Details and registration here. Watch the Trailer here

Carpenter both follows and leads her family history. With a direct line of ancestors leading the suffrage movement in the early 20th century, Carpenter herself was at the forefront of political events during a three-decade career in Washington DC. Her barrier breaking career as a journalist led her to the White House, where she penned the first public speech given by Lyndon B. Johnson after he was sworn in following the assassination of JFK. She also served as staff director and press secretary to the First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson.

Perhaps her strongest legacy emerges from her leadership of organizations and movements to increase the participation and power of women in politics. She forged partnerships and co-founded organizations that raised the bar for women in public life, including the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971. As an engaged member myself of the local and state Women’s Political Caucus chapters in Ohio for many years, I’ve gained an even greater appreciation for Carpenter’s determination and leadership, and the impact that the WPC had on the number of women elected.

With a nod to her ancestors’ achievements on the 19th amendment, Carpenter became co-chair of ERA America in the mid-1970’s to secure the 38 state ratifications needed to enshrine the Equal Rights Amendment in the U.S. Constitution. While the ERA has yet to be ratified, at no time in the last 50 years has it been so clear that women’s agency, autonomy and authority are always in jeopardy of being erased. Ratification of the ERA is supported by a caucus in Congress, and several national organizations – at least one of which has roots in the leadership and advocacy of Liz Carpenter.

We can all resonate with Liz Carpenter’s vision, energy, legacy and purpose. Let’s go shake it up.

Appreciation and acknowledgements: “When the Nineteenth Amendment Was Born So Was My Feminist Mom,” by Christy Carpenter (2020) All Rights Reserved; every video I could find on YouTube, and to the Columbus Area Women’s Political Caucus.