Eagle Forum of Alabama was born out of conviction and courage. In 1972, Phyllis Schlafly of Illinois took a bold stand against the proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), warning it would harm women, families, and national security. She inspired a nationwide movement—recruiting Alabama leaders Eunie Smith and Olive Spann to co-chair STOP ERA Alabama who recruited a Stop ERA Chairman in every Alabama county.
As the battle raged through the 1970s, Eunie and Phyllis traveled the state, speaking to civic groups, churches, and community gatherings about the ERA’s real implications. Their tireless efforts helped turn the tide.
By 1975, Phyllis recognized that even if the ERA was defeated, the fight for family values would continue. She founded Eagle Forum, a grassroots organization dedicated to faith, family, and freedom.
In 1977 Pres. Jimmy Carter declared the “Year of the Woman” and funded meetings in every state Capitol to rubber stamp the feminist pro ERA, pro-abortion and pro-homosexual agenda by electing delegates to a convention in Houston —feminist leaders expected the ERA to prevail. In response, Eagle Forum of Alabama recruited busloads of women to attend the Montgomery meeting where they elected their own slate of conservative delegates to the Houston. “The Eagles have landed” the press declared. Alabama became one of only five states to send a solidly conservative delegation and to draft a pro-family plan of action. 600 Alabama Eagles flew in a refitted WWII cargo plane and rode buses to join the Houston Pro-family rally led by Phyllis Schlafly while Bella Abzug presided over the federally funded meeting.
Jean Saunders became the first president of Eagle Forum of Alabama, succeeded by Frances Wideman, and later Eunie Smith, whose leadership continues to shape the organization’s mission.
In 1986, the Eagle Forum of Alabama Education Foundation (501c3, contributions tax exempt) was established in Birmingham to educate the public on the vital role of the family. Its founding purpose was “to advance the status of women and defend their rights—especially those pertaining to the family, marriage, children, and education.”
Today, Eagle Forum of Alabama (501c4, contributions not tax exempt) remains the state’s leading grassroots voice for life, liberty, and strong families. Through advocacy, education, and its Student Eagle program, it continues to train citizens and future leaders to stand for truth and freedom.
“They that wait upon the Lord shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
— Isaiah 40:31
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