The Friends of Susan B. Anthony is pleased to announce that Pam Smith will receive the Susan B. Anthony Award at their annual luncheon on Saturday, Aug. 22. Pam has a long history of activism for many different causes: women’s rights and health care, anti-nuclear protests, and environmental issues. She helped to organize the Southeastern Women’s Health Conference here in 1976, where she co-conducted one of the first workshops specifically on child incest. Recently, she was instrumental in founding Gainesville Women for Democracy, which has over 3000 members, and has been a prime mover in the No Kings protests. This luncheon began as an informal birthday party for Susan B. Anthony over forty years ago, and is now held in conjunction with the anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote. Each year a local woman is recognized who exemplifies the spirit of Susan B. Anthony.
The luncheon theme for 2026 is: “Our Vote is Our Voice: Women’s Political Power.” The featured speaker will be Dr. Teresa Cornacchione, Civic Engagement Coordinator from the Graham Center.
For further information, and instructions on how to register for the luncheon, please check the website: www.fosba.com or contact Barbara Oberlander at 352-378-6447.