In Memoriam: Ernesta Drinker Ballard

A Fond Memory — by Lillian Ciarrochi, Florida ERA Campaign, past president-Philadelphia NOW

August 15, 2005

Ernesta Ballard, one of the founders of NOW and NARAL, was a true visionary who held women and their rights in her heart and mind throughout her distinguished and extraordinary life. Born to privilege and a heritage of notable women in her family, Ballard spent her life fighting for women, and all who were discriminated against. She unabashedly used her formidable connections to solicit funds for the causes she believed in, including beautification of the city she loved.

Ballard founded Philadelphia NOW on Jan. 11, 1967, on Alice Paul's birthday. She was a mentor and role model and helped pave the way for many women who joined the ranks of "Captains of Industry". For most of her life, this elite and small group was male only and some of them in Philadelphia spoke of Ballard in scornful terms, saying she should "stick to her petunias" (professionally, Ballard was a renowned horticulturalist). This only strengthened her resolve, passion and commitment to pass the Equal Rights Amendment.

In March of 1972, Ballard joined a small vigil throughout the night on the steps of the nation's Capitol prior to Congress' passing the ERA resolution written by Alice Paul. Capitol workers continuously sprayed water on the steps (and the feet of the participants) throughout the vigil until ice formed on their shoes. This did not deter Ballard — she and these other brave women marched to the headquarters of the National Women's party the next morning to celebrate.

Throughout the ERA campaign, Ballard worked relentlessly, raising money, speaking to professional groups, marching and lobbying in Washington, traveling to Florida many times as an ERA missionary, working with the local chapter of NOW on all ERA projects. She had the vision to co-found "Women's Way" an umbrella support group that funds a host of women's groups, including Women Organized Against Rape, The Women's Law Project, Women Against Violence, etc. Most of Women's Way funding comes from businesses and corporations with whom Ballard had ties.

Ballard marched on Washington many times, most recently in April 2004 for the "March for Women's Lives." Ballard traveled to Nairobi to support women in third world nations and was a prominent participant at the International Women's Year Conference in Houston in 1977.

These are just some of the memories I have of Ballard, who was an inspiration to me and many other women in Philadelphia in the ongoing struggle for equal rights for women. Her magnificent and glorious life will continue to inspire many generations of women, and men, for years to come.

Thank you, Ernesta.