January 18, 2026

Dear Friends and Family,

The city is plunged deep into winter now, but the work on the corner at 72nd and Broadway keeps drawing me out into the cold each day. There’s something about it that keeps the heart ablaze, even as the fingers grow numb. Lately, I’ve been channeling my second cousin, Dr. Eric Eustace Williams: rather than preaching from a soapbox, I’m perched on a milk crate, engaging hundreds of passersby daily, weaving the Bubble of Love and the passionate plea for the ERA.

I wanted to share a couple of radiant moments from the past few days—reminders of why we persist, even when it feels like whispering into a gale.

This past Thursday, a vibrant group of high school students from Toronto arrived, buzzing with energy fresh from a youth program at the United Nations. Naturally, I couldn’t resist challenging them with a pop quiz: “Where was the first Big Five meeting held?” and “What organization preceded the United Nations?” What followed was a truly inspiring conversation. I invited them to read my sign, shared a bit about our family’s longstanding commitment to women’s rights and the UN, and gave each one an old White House postcard that William mailed during my first pilgrimage from Seneca Falls to Washington, DC. We discussed the enduring need for the Equal Rights Amendment, how the League of Nations evolved into the UN—and how even that institution will transform in this new century. I told them that this brave new high tech world isn’t dystopia or scary. It’s ahh-mazing! That the world is truly their oyster, with so much good work ahead. It was my pleasure sharing this moment in time with them. I directed them to our website for more, and before parting, I thanked them profoundly for not judging a book by its cover—a lesson too many adults have yet to learn. We snapped a quick photo, and off they went, ignited with a spark.

That evening, walking home amid the surging river of pedestrians, I reflected on conversations with Jack Schlossberg about noblesse oblige—the sacred responsibility that comes with privilege. As we glanced over at the hundreds walking by.  I thought of migrants from deep Amazonian jungle unable to read or write in their own language let alone ours who had not resorted to theft but were creative in selling candy in the subway below.  And then I thought of how others who trafficked women and others who smuggled drugs like in the movie Maria Full of Grace too.  And I counted my blessings.

As I walked home, I had a heartfelt catch-up with cousin Alice Besson—Jerry’s widow in Trinidad. We marveled at how the “perfect chess game” is aligning: the ERA tantalizingly close, world hunger on the cusp of eradication (Elon—“I plan on holding you to your 2021 challenge—lol), Michael Kratsios and the executive branch delivering extraordinary results (yes, I’m biased—he’s extended family), and with President Trump steering the emerging Board of Peace. I am more than full of hope. I see this new world on the horizon. And it is good. I shared my unwavering faith in the bright horizon ahead, focusing on the ERA’s passage—confident that, with a gentle nudge and clear calculations showing its massive economic boost.  Demonstrating how Women’s Rights and a strong economy go hand in hand.  What Jerry sparked 35 years ago, when we first connected over our shared family history, and I learnt of Cousin Eric has buoyed me through countless storms. Alice reminded me that Tuesday would have been Jerry’s birthday. His boundless generosity and wisdom were foundational to Katrina’s Dream, and I feel his guiding light still. Reflecting on our journey now, I shed tears of joy of just how far we’ve come and the wonders yet to unfold. 

Then, bright and early the next morning, a kind soul named Angela Evangelista approached. Without even glancing at my sign, she generously pressed a bag of groceries into my hands: a pound of ground beef, mac and cheese, frozen peas, dark-chocolate-covered almonds, and a bountiful bunch of bananas. Our conversation stretched long and deep—touching current events, the ERA, Gross National Happiness, and the section I’m crafting on it for a broader paper on world peace. Afterward, overflowing with gratitude, I paid it forward, distributing bananas to the sisters on the corner with even less that day. Their smiles bloomed brilliantly, outshining any petition signature. One usually silent woman laughed aloud when I handed her two—a pure, closed circle of kindness right on the sidewalk.

So that’s the pulse here, dear ones: exhilarating, exhausting, hope-infused days.

The first phase of our program “Going Jane Goodall” on the mean streets continues to blossom, one dialogue, one postcard, one shared banana at a time.

Speaking of momentum—please continue to forward our email updates and please do share our petition with your family and friends, urging Senator Murkowski to champion the ERA! We’ve just surpassed 250 signatures as we look ahead to celebrating the Fourth of July. Let’s make this the year Lady Liberty’s torch illuminates the path to true freedom, justice, equality, and world peace. Together, let’s pass the ERA:

https://www.change.org/p/urge-senator-murkowski-to-champion-the-era

If you’re moved to help, a simple $20 gift to our 20 for 20 Igniting Equality campaign fuels justice, elevating women’s voices to the Congress, to the White House, to the World.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-katrinas-dream-championing-equality-and-justice/cl/o?

Thank you for holding this sacred work in your hearts. I carry your support with me to the corner every day.

Love and Light,

Helene de Boissiere-Swanson