Volume 11, No. 2 – March 2026

In this issue:

• Upcoming Event: "Honoring Marty Goddard: Pioneer in Combatting Sexual Violence"
• Tribute to WWHP's Treasurer and longtime board member, Kenneth Morris: (1956–2026) by his wife and WWHP board member, Joan Morris 
• Reports about WWHP's Collaborations on Two Events 

Statement About Our Event on March 28

Working Women’s History Project began planning for our event, “Honoring Marty Goddard: Pioneer in Combatting Sexual Violence” in the summer of 2025. Pagan Kennedy’s book, The Secret History of the Rape Kit A True Crime Story, was released that year, and Pagan Kennedy was interviewed on NPR. We learned that Marty Goddard, about whom Pagan Kennedy wrote, was an activist in the fight against sexual violence and had lived in Chicago. We thought it would be fitting to honor her during Women’s History Month. It turned out that all participants and the venue were available on March 28.

When planning the program, we had no idea that a major rally would be planned for the same day. We appreciate that people may want to attend it later that day, but hope you’ll join us for what promises to be an engaging morning program about this important topic.

Kenneth Bryan Morris: In Memoriam

1956–2026

By Joan Morris

It is with deep sadness that I share that Ken lost his battle with heart disease in January. He was a wonderful husband to me for over 40 years. He was truly my soulmate; I was lucky enough to be his wife, friend, and collaborator. As our friend Pam Herstein said, “If you put him in a room with Eric Clapton and were blindfolded, you wouldn’t know who was who. I hope he’s jamming with George.” When he was a young teenager, he started to write songs and collaborated with his best friend Glenn.

We just celebrated his 69th birthday and shared it with our newly adopted dog, Mateo.

First and foremost, he wanted to be a good man, more than he wanted money or acclaim. He wanted to be a good father, husband, and grandfather. He was passionate about what he believed in and truly concerned about people being treated fairly.

He loved playing for people whether it was at home, in a club, or at our church. He also acted and performed in many plays that I had written for Working Women’s History Project.  

Besides music, he loved baseball. We often joked that I converted him to being a Cubs fan (he grew up on the Southside and I grew up on the Northside). He was delighted when they won the World Series in 2016. He recently went to a Cubs game with his son Steve, and he loved going to Wrigley Field.

I loved sharing my life with him, and I will always love him. 

Joan Morris is a board member of Working Women’s History Project, and was Ken’s beloved wife.

Working Women's History Project Partners With Call & Response Books

Working Women's History Project partnered with Call & Response Books on January 31 to host a reading with Elizabeth Todd-Breland, Associate Professor of history at UIC. She co-authored, with the late Karen Lewis, I Didn't Come Here to Lie  My Life and Education.

Photo Credit: Joanne Schlichter

Working Women’s History Project Co-Sponsors Nonpartisan Senate Candidates' Forum

Working Women’s History Project was a co-sponsor of a nonpartisan senatorial candidates’ forum held at Rainbow Push on February 21. The event opened with a tribute and a moment of silence in memory of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, who did so much to promote voting rights.

Photo Credit: Amy Laiken

Working Women's History Project

wwhpchicago.org

amywwhp@gmail.com