It started with one woman, who had a dream to pursue art, promote equality and speak for women’s rights. In 2017, Dee Etzwiler, mother, teacher, wife, artist and owner of a+a Studio from Eugene, Oregon got a call to make artwork for the first Women’s March in Washington D.C. and she was able to channel her energy and ask herself, “What does the Women’s March mean to me?” With the march about to take off, Etzwiler wanted to get her message out. After long hours of building designs, her dream was becoming a reality. Etzwiler sent her initial designs via t-shirts, posters and banners, to women participating in the Women’s March in Washington D.C. Her first trial was a great success. She wanted to keep her message positive, highlighting the contributions these women made for the progression of social equality. On the day of the march, she saw pictures of her artwork flooding the streets and even saw many women’s faces crying tears of joy. Once the march created a ripple effect in other states, Etzwiler sent her merchandise to women in six other states for them to display. Although starting as a hobby and inner desire to promote change, Etzwiler soon realized this work was something she needed to do. In 2018, with help from her daughter, Etzwiler launched her company, Marching in Their Footsteps.
Marching in Their Footprints is a company that promotes women’s equality and civil rights through their designs, which depict the faces of 19 women that came before us, who fought tirelessly for social justice. Etzwiler says, “There are two parts to the business: the products and the education.” Not only is Eizwiler promoting social equality, but also educating people about the history of our nation. Marching in Their Footsteps even has a donation program that gives posters to teachers in elementary and high schools around the country that are teaching their students about civil rights, social justice and/or the 19 women featured on their products.
Even the artwork itself has deeper meanings beyond its catchy colors and pictures. The number 19 symbolizes the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, passing women’s suffrage. Etzwiler says, “Although the number 19 symbolizes the 19th Amendment, this didn’t allow all women to vote. It was still discriminatory to many groups. However, it symbolizes the start to give women to vote.” These women include prominent figures such as Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks and 15 others that were influential in the advancement of women’s equality and civil rights. Their backgrounds, races, religions and sexual orientations illustrate the levels of intersectionality that these women have endured and also fought to bring justice. Along with biographies for each of the 19 women, there is also a glossary for other important women in history listed in an A-Z glossary. In addition to the women featured, the large colorful bands with text seen on their products represent the headlines from news these women made throughout their revolutionary work. The textured background reveals the true grit within these women that made their activism so powerful. Lastly, the signatures of each woman are signed next to their picture, giving recognition to all their hard work. Creating these designs wasn’t always smooth-sailing. With having these 19 women be the face of her brand came with many roadblocks. Etzwiler had to consult many attorneys to avoid copyright infringement. At times Etzwiler asked herself, “Do I dive in and create another company?” But just as the women before us, Etzwiler was resilient to finish her work.
Etzwiler currently lives in Eugene, Oregon, working as the Principle and Commercial Artist for a+a Studio. She received a Masters in Architecture degree from the University of Oregon and has taught architecture design courses. In addition, she works with student organizations such as Allen Hall PR. Etzwiler wants to continue her love in art and equality to bring about change. One of the main things Etwziler enjoys about this work is that people of all ages understand it. By educating others, advocating for inclusiveness and giving back to the community, Dee Etzwiler and her team are giving life to this company, making Marching in Their Footsteps more than just a title.
https://marchingintheirfootsteps.com