A book focusing on the history of the feminist movement in Wichita will be released next week. Local publisher Watermark Press will release its first book in 20 years. "Radiating Like a Stone: Wichita Women and the 1970s Feminist Movement," compiled by Myrne Roe will come out Tuesday.
The press release states, in 69 essays with 79 contributors, this local history captures a critical decade when the women's rights movement was gaining momentum nationally, and explains how that movement affected dynamic women in a city in the middle of the country. These women dared to challenge conventional wisdom in areas of credit, health care, academics, religion, and artistic expression. From consciousness-raising groups to art fairs, from Title IX to establishing a credit rating, from establishing a feminist newspaper and bookstore to organizing for the rights of homemakers, Roe gathers the experiences of the women who changed the trajectory for all women in the city, in their own voices.
Roe will give a presentation and sign books on Tuesday December 13th at 7p.m. The signing will take place at Watermark Books near Douglas and Oliver.
"Myrne Roe is a talented and thoughtful editor. She was at the heart of the movement and spent two years compiling, editing, and organizing these compelling stories," said Sarah Bagby, publisher. "I was interested in this volume from the beginning. The contributors, many of whom I have known over the years, tell stories I could not have imagined. Much of their work resulted in better lives for all Wichitans, and it is important that their stories are available for upcoming generations of women."
