The “Undefeatable” Grace Julian Clark

Hear from Jackie Swihart of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs as she speaks on the impact of suffragist Grace Julian Clark. Clarke was a life-long advocate for social justice and women’s right and differentiated herself as a political actor rather than reformer. Jackie reveals the ways in which Clarke elevated her statewide status while acting as a campaign manager for Lenore Hanna Cox (Terre Haute) during the Indiana Federation of Clubs’ 1915 presidential election. The campaign, and Clarke’s role, provides a glimpse into the everyday politics of suffrage advocates at the local and state levels, including slandering efforts that predate our divisive modern-day politics. Further examination of how Clarke evolved throughout World War I demonstrates how she and other women advanced political agendas through patriotism. As women gained traction with enfranchisement post-WWI, Clarke focused her attention on international issues like the League of Nations. Using a three-dimensional evaluation of Clarke, Jackie illuminates how Clarke was far from a bystander to the male-dominated political atmosphere and actively engaged in her own political conflicts prior to and post suffrage.