Jazz funeral for the ERA
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A jazz funeral for the Equal Rights Amendment took place in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana (USA) on July 3, 1982.[1] The event was a public mourning for the failure of the proposed Amendment to the United States Constitution to be ratified by the required 38 states (3/4 of the 50 states) before the congressionally imposed 1982 deadline.[2][3]
The National Organization for Women hosted a walk in 1981 promoting the passage of the ERA.[3] This event was hosted by the New Orleans ERA Task Force.[3]
Overview of the event
Jazz funerals have a long history in the city of New Orleans.[4] The jazz funeral for the ERA took place one week after the proposed amendment did not pass the required 38 states before the deadline imposed by Congress.[5] It was known as "A New Day Jazz Funeral."[6] The funeral went through the French Quarter.[7] The funeral procession lasted for one hour followed by two hours of speeches.[8] Participants walked by many notable restaurants in New Orleans including Arnaud's Restaurant, The Royal Sonesta Hotel, and the Old Absinth House while musicians played "When the Saints Go Marching In."[1][9] Numerous boys were photographed participating in this march which was mostly attended by women.[2] The funeral procession ended in Jackson Square.[10] Sue Laporte performed an original song at the end of the procession in front of ERA supporters in Jackson Square.[6]
It was estimated that 500 people attended this march.[11] Many of the marchers dressed in white as suffragists.[11] When asked to describe the purpose of the march Pat Denton,[12] chairwoman of Louisiana's women's political caucus, state, "The tradition of a jazz funeral is that although there is a loss, life goes on and with renewed hope."[13]