Ronnie Lovler
Community activist Sheila Payne will be the honoree at this year’s Friends of Susan B. Anthony’s annual luncheon on Aug. 27.
Every year a local woman is honored for living up to the ideals of Susan B. Anthony, whose pioneering work led to the passage of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote.
Payne is being recognized for her work on behalf of labor and fair housing.
The featured speaker at this year’s luncheon is Dr. Elaine Turner, dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida. She will speak on the impact Title IX had on women’s education and sports, in her address: “Fifty Years of Title IX: And Not Done Yet.”
Co-coordinators Barbara Oberlander and June Littler said they are excited about this year’s event, the first to be held in person since the initial outbreak of the pandemic. Littler, who just turned 90, is stepping down this year after decades leading the organization. Oberlander considers her “the guiding spirit of FoSBA.”
This year’s luncheon coincides with local primaries and upcoming midterms, underscoring the importance of women’s right to vote.
“Women’s Equality Day is August 26th, the day that the 19th Amendment went into effect, and we always have the luncheon as close as possible to that date,” Oberlander said.
Oberlander said that on August 27 much more will be going on in the room than a lunch.
“Many organizations set up displays for people to see before the luncheon, and I have to say that the energy and excitement in the room is palpable—representatives of so many community groups, candidates as well as elected officials—it is a happening!” Oberlander said.
The event began 40 years ago as an informal gathering to mark Anthony’s birthday and to celebrate the long battle to achieve women’s suffrage, The 19th Amendment was first passed by Congress in June 1919 and ratified one year later in August 1920.
This year’s event will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Best Western Gateway Grand at 4200 NW 97th Blvd. Gainesville 32606. Ticket prices are $35 for adults and $18 for youth (anyone under age 21). The deadline for registration is August 20. No tickets will be sold at the door.
For further information, and instructions on how to register for the luncheon, please visit the website: www.fosba.com or contact Barbara Oberlander at 352-378-6447.