Paying Homage to Feminist Greatness
Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pitman Hughes, New York 1971 © Dan Wynn Archive and Farmani Group, Co LTD. http://www.danwynn.com
In 1971, Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pitman Hughes raised their fists together in an image that still remains an enduring symbol of feminist solidarity across racial lines. We pay homage to that image because movements cannot thrive through shared beliefs alone. Women and organizations serving women must intentionally show up for one another, build relationships across our differences, share resources and expertise, and transform solidarity from something we say into something we can see, measure, and feel in our communities. Change does not come from one race, one election, one event, or one organization working alone. It comes from women staying connected and informed. And that happens when women feel supported. We must create trusted places for women to stay engaged. That is how we build consistent power so the next generation of women inherits even more access, protection, and equality than we have.
Jakky Lynette and Kelly Wise, Renee Bloom Photography, 2026, Civic Center Music Hall, Oklahoma City
The Unified Sisterhood concept carries that lesson forward! Movements survive when the next generation picks up the torch, has the uncomfortable conversations with the purpose of strengthening relationships, and refuses to let the issues of the past affect the solidarity of the future. So, Jakky Lynette and Kelly Wise now raise their fists together in a unified spirit to revitalize women to honor those who came before us; to recreate their example by building new relationships and inviting thousands of other women to do the same. Women matter and we are NOT less than men! Our nine months and complications of pregnancy versus a man's two minutes of released pleasure does not scientifically compare in terms of how humans are formed. Therefore, when the future is being written, it needs to honor all women! And we should never forget that the commitment between Steinem and Pitman Hughes has endured across generations!
Unify the Matriarchy Community Photoshoot, 10.10.2026
October 10, 2026, 5:00-8:00 PM, at Stars & Stripes Park (Bob Hope Pavilion) | 3701 S Lake Hefner Dr, OKC, OK 73116
The Unify the Matriarchy Community Photoshoot is an Intentional Solidarity Event designed to bring people together from different backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Our premise is that solidarity does not happen by accident. Many meaningful relationships never form simply because our daily lives rarely intersect. This event intentionally creates opportunities for community members to meet, share their stories, and recognize one another's humanity.
The first hour of the event will be emceed by DJ D. Chappell (employee of Power 103.5), while featuring breakout circles prompted by our partnered organizations concise presentations to encourage attendees to socialize with intent to find a partner they may not have otherwise encountered. Guest speakers will cover: Maternal Health, Female Incarceration, Reproductive Justice, Women's Wages, Women's Voting Rights, Domestic Violence Awareness, and Inclusive Feminism.
The last half of the event will continue with music and free refreshments provided by Lelamae's Catering; while inviting attendees to stand together in solidarity with a new friend they met through the event to recreate their own version of the iconic photograph of Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pittman-Hughes. The replicated photo represents the Unified Sisterhood's vision to build a more connected feminist movement by fostering intentional solidarity and bringing resolve to historical harms within the Movement's agenda.
Donations for digital photographs and Lelamae's Catering are encouraged but not required.
Printed photographs will be available for a predetermined donation amount.
We hope you will join us for this kickoff event! See you on Saturday, October 10th at 5 PM!
Unified Sisterhood Substack
The Unified Sisterhood blogs about revitalizing feminism by intentionally including Black women's issues and marginalized perspectives to address historical exclusions to Unify the Matriarchy.
Available on all podcasting platforms!
Leftist Lezzies provides insight into the world of activism.
Leftist Lezzies provides insight into the world of activism! Host, Kelly Wise, goes beyond headlines as she interviews people who are leading the charge on defending marginalized persons. Listening will give you context and action steps to gain inspiration and involvement as we build communities up together!
