ERA Centennial Convention

The ERA Centennial Convention, held from July 21 to 22, 2023, in Seneca Falls, NY, marked a monumental milestone in the fight for constitutional equality, celebrating 100 years since the introduction of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Organized by Generation Ratify, Equal Rights Action, and Columbia Law School’s ERA Project, the convention brought together activists, scholars, and advocates to reflect on a century of advocacy while setting bold intentions for the future. The event was both symbolic and action-oriented, hosted in the historic First Presbyterian Church of Seneca Falls—the very location where Alice Paul unveiled the ERA in 1923. The goal was clear: to honor the past, galvanize the present, and forge a path toward full constitutional recognition of the ERA.

Visual and Brand Design

As the visual and brand designer for the ERA Centennial Convention, I was responsible for developing a cohesive identity that reflected the convention’s values of historical reverence, intersectional feminism, and grassroots action. My task was not just to create event visuals but to design an experience where attendees felt immersed in the rich legacy of the ERA movement while recognizing their role in its future. I oversaw the design of all digital and physical materials, including social media graphics, printed programs, banners, and workshop resources.

I approached the branding process with the goal of weaving together the past and present. The design aesthetic was centered on circular imagery that represented the enduring ripple effect of the fight for equality. This motif appeared prominently across the convention’s materials, echoing the familiar “ERA YES” button, a historic symbol of the ERA campaign. Archival photographs of suffrage parades and ERA demonstrations were layered into the backgrounds, lending historical depth to the modern visual elements. The green and white color palette, a nod to the suffragist movement, reinforced the connection between past and present struggles while evoking a sense of continuity and solidarity. Typography choices balanced boldness with accessibility, ensuring clarity in everything from large-scale banners to printed handouts.

The convention’s purpose of fostering an inclusive and intersectional feminist movement also informed every aspect of the visual narrative. The promotional materials for the “Reimagining Gender Justice” workshop series, held in the weeks leading up to the convention, highlighted a diverse coalition of voices and themes—ranging from the contributions of queer activists and women of color to discussions about constitutional reform and global gender justice. These designs needed to resonate with both seasoned advocates and newcomers, providing a unified but dynamic invitation to join the movement.

Accessibility

My approach emphasized accessibility as well as aesthetics. Text and graphic elements adhered to high-contrast standards to ensure readability, especially for event signage designed to guide attendees through the church and surrounding venues. The print materials were organized to provide participants with a clear roadmap of each day’s events, while maintaining a sleek and visually engaging style. The large-scale banners served as focal points in the event space, unifying the visual environment and reinforcing the core themes of legacy and action.