We invite you to look to the future that the Grannies of Madison are helping to build through performance activism. The Raging Grannies ask us to remember that voting access, reproductive rights, or control over one’s own finances has been denied to many in the past and is not guaranteed in the future. They believe we need to pay attention, remember the sacrifices made by those before us, and work diligently to create new opportunities for solidarity and justice.
The Raging Grannies hope to inspire older people to continue speaking out about pressing issues. As one Madison Raging Granny stated, “We are not retiring to our rocking chairs.” They seek to form connections with young activists, talk about the problems at hand, and learn together. And they hope to form new relationships with people who want to begin Raging Grannies groups in their communities. In the process, they have formed a sisterhood and also care for each other as they age.
A Lineage of Women Activists
Many of the Grannies understand their activism as one step of many in a long line of women fighting for a better society in both local and national contexts. The Votes for Women sash, for example, was worn by Grannies at the First to Ratify celebration on June 23rd, 2019, which commemorated the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. Many grannies see the personal in the political; both Barbara Park and Bonnie Block often wear articles that belonged to their mothers; this apron and this pink dress, respectively. Keeping mementos of the women who came before them and the causes won is a reminder that even when progress feels slow, there is a future that is brighter and worth fighting for.
Amanda Bogenschneider’s Pink House Dress
Amanda Borgenschnieder
Madison, Wisconsin
circa 1950s-60s
Cotton, machine sewn
Courtesy of Bonnie Block
Votes for Women Sash
Unknown
Madison Wisconsin
June 2019
Cotton Cloth, appliquéd letters
34x5”
Courtesy of Kathleen D. Miner
Paisley Apron
Barbara Park
Madison Wisconsin
20th-21st Century
Cotton, Buttons
28x24”
Courtesy of Barbara Park
Photo of grannies and younger activists
Christine Garlough
Madison, Wisconsin
October 2, 2021
Reprint
Courtesy of photographer
Photo of grannies and younger activists
Photographer Unknown
Date Unknown
Madison, Wisconsin
Reprint
Courtesy of the Raging Grannies of Madison
Drawer 15: Rainbow shawl
Rainbow Shawl
Barbara Park
Madison, Wisconsin
circa 2008-2011
Knit, yarn
33x71
Courtesy of Barbara Park
This rainbow shawl is worn by Raging Grannies Director, Barbara Park, to demonstrate the Raging Grannies’ strong support of LGBTQ+ rights. They have written songs, such as “Love and Marriage” and “The More We Get Together” to help audiences stay informed about key topics and concerns. Often the Raging Grannies are asked to participate in Madison’s PRIDE events and perform these songs. This shawl also served another important function; when COVID made getting together safely a real challenge, this knitted shawl was often used to keep warm during “outdoor” practices when practicing indoors was not possible.
Friendship Rock
Developing close relationships – a sisterhood – is an important aspect of participating in the Raging Grannies. This is one of the things all the grannies can agree upon! As Marie Martini noted in Listen to Your Grandmothers, “I thrive on my network of strong women, which evolved over the decades to include those who fought for the failed Equal Rights Amendment, began a chapter of NOW, taught high school English, discussed books on a monthly basis, shared my adult joys and sorrows, and now, make significant contributions to the quality of my life. These relationships give me joy, encouragement, and endless entertainment.” These women care for one another, as they care for their communities, and that is part of what makes the Raging Grannies not just special but a powerful resource for social change and healthy aging.