I have read with interest the many varied reflections shared recently in the Daily Hampshire Gazette on the life and times of Gloria Steinem.
Coming of age in the 1960s and part of the generation of young women who took part in ‘consciousness-raising ‘ groups, I am aware of the debt we owe her for fostering such groups based on the women’s talking circles she experienced during her time in India in the 1950s. She has also been a source for me of wit and wisdom in her written work and speeches and in her forthright encouragement of women to become leaders in society.
One personal memory of her that I hold dear occurred here in Northampton some years ago. She was the guest speaker at a fundraiser for a local nonprofit supporting women’s health programs . As she was making the fundraising pitch toward the end of her speech, she asked us all to look at our checkbooks. Then she said, in so many words, “What you write checks for will tell you what your priorities and values are.”
This past weekend I encountered two Smith College students collecting donations, despite the pouring rain, for Shelter Sunday. I remembered those words. I opened my checkbook. Thank you, Gloria.
Jenny Fleming-Ives
Northampton