For more than 200 years, the U.S. Constitution has been subject to a succession of influencers, starting with the likes of James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. Author Kate Kelly wants to acquaint you with some less celebrated figures who, notably, have pushed for “constitutional equality” for women and other marginalized groups.

In a discussion of her book Ordinary Equality: The Fearless Women and Queer People Who Shaped the U.S. Constitution and the Equal Rights Amendment, Kelly recounts the centuries-old fight against gender and sex discrimination and examines the lives of 12 women who’ve helped wage it. The ERA has been an important undercurrent in the movement since an initial version of the constitutional measure was drafted in 1923.

Kelly’s presentation comes two days before Women’s Equality Day, celebrated annually on August 26.

A nationally known advocate for ERA ratification, Kelly holds a JD degree from American University Washington College of Law, the only law school in the nation founded by and for women. She is the creator and host of the podcast Ordinary Equality.

The presentation is livestreamed at youtube.com/kclibrary (no RSVP necessary).