3 Oklahomans Compete In "Powder Puff Derby"

The 2006 Air Race Classic last week from Mesa, Arizona to Menomee, Maine included three women pilots from Oklahoma amongst the 68 women competing: Margie Richison of Norman, Carolyn Smith of Yukon and Heidi LaPine or Oklahoma City. Next year's race will start in Oklahoma City!

Lisa Pryor Begins 2nd Year As OK Demo Party Chair

Lisa Pryor recently began her second year as Chairman and Executive Director of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. When she first came in, the party had a debt of $524,000 (much of that from Brad Carson's failed run for the US Senate). That's down to $271,000 today. Yikes. Word on the street is she is doing a good job. Congrats, Lisa.
Addendum: Opps. Not "re-elected" ~ Lisa was elected for two years so is just starting the second half of her 2-year term. Click on "Comment" below to read more.

Purple Sash Draws 450 for YWCA

Congratulations to OKC YWCA President and CEO, Jan Peery (above left) and her staff and board for their Purple Sash fundraiser June 22nd which was a huge success. There were fun fashions by Southern Charm of Norman's owner/designer Kayne Gillaspie (above right). He is a competitor on season 3 of the TV hit "Project Runway" which begins airing in mid-June. (One of his models was OCU grad and N.E.W. Leadership alum Carri Perrier. United Way CEO Bob Spinks guided us through the evening beautifully. Lt. Mark Wynn's eloquent remarks on domestic violence reminded us why we were there: to raise funds for the YWCA's women's shelter. Two remarkable Oklahoma City women leaders were recognized ~ educator Joyce Henderson (above center) and civil rights pioneer Clara Luper pictured below with Jean Warner on the left and Nancy Randolph Davis on right. Davis is the first African American admitted to Oklahoma A&M College.

June 23: 34th Anniversary of Title IX Passage

Thank you, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, for your email reminding me that the landmark civil rights law that prohibits education and athletic programs that receive federal funding from discriminating on the basis of gender is 34 years old today. Pelosi said:

"Title IX has empowered hundreds of thousands of young women on the soccer field and in the classroom by ensuring equal opportunity for women and girls in athletics and education. Because of Title IX, young women's participation in athletics has increased 400 percent at the college level and 800 percent in high schools.

“But more importantly, because of Title IX, women and girls know that they can succeed not only on the playing field and in the classroom, but also in the halls of power and corporate boardrooms. Title IX has empowered countless girls and women to be stronger and bolder through a simple message: your education is crucial and your future is limitless."

The Bush Administration has issued a new ‘Clarification’ on Title IX that some fear creates major loopholes and lowers the standard for Title IX compliance. Keep a watchful eye on this issue.

Women's Equality Day

Guess who is responsible for the US Congress designating August 26 as "Women's Equality Day." This holiday celebrates women winning the right to vote. Read all about it at the National Women's History Project website.
PS - The answer is Bella Abzug who I had the priviledge of meeting at a Women's Political Caucus national convention. What a great lady. I've used the Wikipedia bio because you should know what a "wiki" is and be using this great resource.

Anne Roberts, Kaye Rote Honored

HeartLine's Festival of Hope 2006 September 9th will honor 5 Oklahomans making a difference including Anne Roberts (Oklahoma Institute for Child advocacy) and Kaye Rote (Oklahoma Mental Health Consumer Council).

Suzan Harjo - American Indian Activist

The Oklahoman has a nice story today about El Reno native Suzan Shown Harjo who they call a "poet, writer, lecturer, curator and policy advocate." Click on the title above to read the story.

Purple Sash is June 22nd in OKC

You are cordially invited to

Purple Sash
~ A Celebration of Courage ~

An Elegant Evening of Dinner, Fashion and Silent and Live Auctions
Benefiting the YWCA of Oklahoma City

Featured Guest Presenter Lt. Mark Wynn

2006 YWCA Embrace Award Honoree Joyce Henderson

2006 National YWCA Racial Justice Award Honoree Clara Luper

2006 Fashion Show Designer: Jonathan Kayne Gillaspie (Project Runway/Season 3)

Thursday, June 22, 2006 – 7 PM
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

To make reservations, call Sherry Hatherley at 405-943-7177

LuCelia Wise Dies at 92

Okahoma author Lu Celia Wise, passed away June 9, 2006. To read about her and the books she wrote, click here.

Lynn Schusterman to be Inducted

Tulsa philanthropist Lynn Schusterman will be inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame during the Oklahoma Heritage Association's 2006 induction ceremony this October. Tickets go on sale September 1; call 405-235-4458.