Women's Action Coalition records, 1989-2003.

Links

• View catalog record
• View PDF finding aid (311.01 KB)

Creator

Women's Action Coalition (New York, N.Y.)

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division

Extent

• 20 linear feet (33 boxes, 7 videotapes).

Access Restrictions

Advance notice required. Apply at http://www.nypl.org/mssref

Scope/Contents Note

The Women's Action Coalition Records trace the rise and fall of a direct-action group often considered part of the“Third Wave” of feminism in the early 1990s. The records are almost entirely those of WAC New York, although there are files on the activities of WAC Boston and scattered files about other chapters. The records contain administrative files, committee files, subject files, photographs, printed material, video recordings, as well as posters, placards, banners, and props used during protest demonstrations.

Biographical/Historical Note

The Women's Action Coalition (WAC) was a feminist direct-action organization founded in 1992 to fight discrimination against women. Its members held colorful demonstrations in support of women's rights, using a drum corps and chanting their slogan, which was also their mission statement, "WAC is watching. We will take action."WAC's actions lasted until 1993, when internal difficulties surrounded by issues of race, class, ethnic, and sexual diversity began to rise to the surface. These differences led to WAC's dwindling membership numbers and weakened sense of organizational direction. WAC's last group meeting was on November 6, 1995.

Controlled Access Terms

• Women's Action Coalition (New York, N.Y.)
• Arts -- Political aspects -- United States.
• Feminism -- United States.
• Feminism and art.
• Women political activists -- United States.
• Placards
• Photographs
• Video recordings.

Additional Creator Name

• Cottingham, Laura.