The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that aimed to guarantee equal rights under the law regardless of sex. While the amendment did not specifically address race, it was an important issue in Black history because many Black women saw the ERA as a way to advance civil rights and gender equality.

Black women played a significant role in the fight for the ERA, advocating for its passage as a means to combat discrimination based on both race and gender. They recognized that the intersections of race and gender created unique challenges for Black women, who faced discrimination on multiple fronts. Activists like Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, and civil rights leader Dorothy Height were strong proponents of the ERA and worked tirelessly to support its ratification.

Despite their efforts, the ERA ultimately fell short of being ratified by the necessary number of states before the deadline set by Congress. The fight for gender equality and civil rights continues to this day, with many activists recognizing the importance of addressing the intersecting forms of discrimination faced by Black women and other marginalized groups. The legacy of the ERA in Black history serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice for all.