The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that aims to guarantee equal rights under the law regardless of sex. While the ERA does not specifically mention race, it has significant implications for Black people and other marginalized groups who have faced discrimination and inequality throughout history.

The ERA was first introduced to Congress in 1923, but it was not until the 1970s that it gained significant momentum. During this time, Black women activists played a crucial role in advocating for the ERA as part of their fight for civil rights and gender equality. Prominent civil rights leaders such as Coretta Scott King and Rosa Parks spoke out in support of the ERA, recognizing that it was essential for ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all Americans.

However, the ERA has not yet been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution, despite efforts over several decades. The deadline for ratification passed in 1982, falling short of the required number of states needed to amend the Constitution. Nevertheless, the fight for gender equality and the recognition of the intersectionality of race and gender continues to be an important aspect of Black history and the broader struggle for civil rights in the United States.