"Feminism is For Everybody" Campaign for Womens Equality Day
Michael Stars teams up with the ERA Coalition - releasing a limited-edition tee, featuring a powerful quote from acclaimed author, activisit, and educator, bell hooks. 50 percent of proceeds from tee sales go to the ERA Coalition to support the drive for passage of the ERA.
See the full news release below:
ERA Coalition Teams with Los Angeles Fashion Brand Michael Stars on Women’s Equality Day to Release Limited Edition Tee to Support the Drive for Equal Rights
Gloria Steinem, Patricia Arquette, Alyssa Milano, Justin Baldoni, Garcelle Beauvais, Maria Bello, Rosario Dawson, Jamia Wilson, Teresa Younger, Ted Bunch, Tony Porter, and others join the growing national call for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment; posting photos wearing the limited-edition tee with hashtags #equalfuture #womensequalityday
NEW YORK, WASHINGTON, DC, LOS ANGELES Aug. 26, 2019
In honor of Women’s Equality Day today, Michael Stars, the Los Angeles-based contemporary fashion leader, today launched a campaign to raise funds to accelerate passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
The iconic brand, known for its high quality, timeless fashion essentials, is releasing a limited-edition, “Feminism is for Everybody” premium tee. The quote comes from acclaimed author, activist, and educator, bell hooks.
Fifty percent of sales from the tee will benefit the ERA Coalition, an organization that represents more than 100 member and lead organizations, and millions of women and men, advocating for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment through public education.
The campaign comes at a pivotal time. With just one more state needed to ratify the amendment, the United States is closer than ever before to ensuring that equal rights, regardless of sex or gender, is guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.
The ERA was originally passed by Congress in 1972 but was three states shy of ratification when it came up against the 1982 deadline for ratification that was set by Congress. Since then, 37 states have approved the amendment for inclusion in the U.S. Constitution. Today, just one state is needed to achieve the 38-state requirement for ratification. At the federal level, Congress is actively working to remove the federal time limits required for ratification.
“The groundswell of support from men and women of all ages, ethnicities, and political perspectives has put us closer than ever to making the ERA a part of our Constitution,” said Carol Jenkins, co-president and CEO, ERA Coalition. “That support is fueling the rise of a bi-partisan effort in Congress to remove the federal time limits required for ratification. The message that the ERA will provide a constitutional framework to promote equality and help remedy all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination is resonating throughout our country,” she added.
The tee campaign is led by Co-Founder and President of Michael Stars, Suzanne Lerner, who also serves as a board member for the ERA Coalition. “I am especially inspired by the activism of new generations of culturally diverse women and men who are banding together to fight for gender equality in our country,” said Lerner. “They understand that the ERA will help women gain equal pay, equal opportunity, and equal access. When women rise, everyone rises – families, communities, and our nation.”
Made of combed cotton, the “Feminism is for Everybody” limited-edition tee is available in several sizes for men and women. Its message from bell hooks reflects the spirit behind the ERA: that equality benefits every American citizen and helps create a world where women and men can create community, live together, and realize their dreams of peace, freedom, and justice.
About ERA Coalition
Bringing together more than a hundred organizations and millions of women and men, the ERA Coalition is a national organization that is building a successful coalition for passage and ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and promoting greater public understanding of the need for equal treatment of women under the law.
About Michael Stars
Michael Stars was founded in 1986 with one simple premise: to make people happy. Co-founders, Michael Cohen and Suzanne Lerner, set out to create effortless fashion that was timeless and comfortable—meant to go with people wherever they went in life. What started with an iconic, one-sized tee that created a fashion movement, has evolved into a collection of contemporary essentials that includes style-driven silhouettes and accessories; crafted with quality and made to last. As a women-led and family-owned business, the company continues to produce the majority of its garments in Los Angeles to ensure quality production and provide fair wages and economic opportunity for the community. The Michael Stars Foundation, established by Michael and Suzanne more than 15 years ago, is a major supporter of grassroots organizations building critical pathways to equality.
Press contacts:
Claudia Carasso for Michael Stars
Email: claudia@elasticminds.com
Anne Baker
InkHouse for ERA Coalition
Email: anne@inkhouse.com