Jovita Idar Mexican American Civil Rights Activist

Jovita Idar Mexican American Civil Rights Activist

Jovita Idar is an example of the many Hispanic activists who have fought for Mexican American rights and the preservation of the Hispanic culture. Jovita was born in Texas in 1885 to a family that was well educated and prosperous, but her parents brought up their children to advocate for better living conditions and civil … Read more

Alice Paul - Suffragist

Alice Paul – Suffragist

Alice Paul was a suffragist and one of the main leaders of the campaign for the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Alice was born in 1885 to a  prominent Quaker family in Pennsylvania that believed in gender equality, service to others, and voting rights for women. After working … Read more

Coming home to unrest and devastation

Coming Home to Unrest and Devastation

I grew up in Hickory, N.C., during the fifties and sixties, married during the Vietnam War, and moved away in 1968 with my veteran husband. When I come home to visit my family, I am always reminded of the beauty of this area of the state and the generosity and southern hospitality of its people. … Read more

Dolores Huerta

Dolores Huerta – Labor and Civil Rights Leader

Dolores Fernandez Huerta is a Mexican immigrant who moved to Stockton, California at age 3 with her mother and brothers. Her mother, Alicia, saved for years to buy a small hotel where she offered rooms at low rates to immigrants. Alicia encouraged her daughter to become involved in community affairs from an early age. Her … Read more

2024 IDCCA Annual Chairs' Brunch

In The Hands of “We the People”

On August 13-14, some members of KCDW attended the Illinois Democratic Brunch sponsored by the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association. Mark Guethle, Chair of the Kane County Democratic Party is the current IDCCA President, and he opened the meeting with a call to action before introducing the first speaker. Mark told the audience that “democracy … Read more

Wells webgraphic

Summer Salute to Ida B. Wells

Our Summer Salute to Ida B. Wells is our featured story this month celebrating women past and present. The passage of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920 granted all American women the right to vote, but in reality, many African Americans were kept from voting by state laws requiring poll taxes and literacy testing. Ida B. … Read more

Immigration #101 webgraphic072924

KCDW Summer Forum: Immigration 101 Recap

byline: Editorial Writer Linda WilletThe Kane County Democratic Women conducts forums several times a year to bring the community together to discuss current issues and ask questions from people who are working on those issues. A recent forum entitled “Immigration 101: A Path Forward in Illinois and Why It Matters” was held on July 20, … Read more

Standing on the Shoulders of our Sisters

Standing on the Shoulders of Our Sisters

by KCDW Editorial Writer Linda WilletThe year 2024 has been a tumultuous year politically. The attack on Israel and the war in Gaza have brought about protests and division in our nation. This was followed by the debate and calls for President Biden to resign. And two weeks ago, the unthinkable happened with the assassination … Read more

KCDW Hosts Forum Immigration 101

KCDW Hosts Immigration 101: A Path Forward in Illinois, and Why it Matters: Panelists

Dr. Sandy Lopez, Director of the Undocumented Student Resource Ctr., Northern IL UniversityModerator, Dr. Sandy López is currently the Director of the Undocumented Student Resource Center at NIU. She has served students, staff, faculty, and school business officials for over 30 years in many roles, including those of academic advisor, teaching consultant, administrator, and most … Read more

KCDW Hosts Forum Immigration 101

KCDW Hosts Immigration 101: A Path Forward in Illinois and Why it Matters

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Carolyn Bird Salazar, Chair, kcdw@kcdwomen.comKane County Democratic Women “Women & Power Speakers Series” Hosts A Panel Discussion Entitled “Immigration 101: A Path Forward in Illinois and Why It Matters”  ST. CHARLES, June 28, 2024 – The Kane County Democratic Women (KCDW) will host a forum entitled “Immigration 101: A Path … Read more

Judge Parga webgraphic

Judge Sandra Parga – Kane County’s First Latina Judge


(Linda Willet and Sylvia Marshall, interviewers)Judge Sandra Parga is a member of KCDW who is currently running for circuit judge in the 4th Judicial Subcircuit. Currently, she is an associate judge assigned to Juvenile Court. We asked about the differences between associate and circuit court judges. Associate judges apply for the position and are appointed … Read more