Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of “Champions of Equality: New York Women and the Equal Rights Amendment,” an exhibition celebrating Women’s History Month that’s on view in the Governor’s Reception Room on the New York State Capitol’s second floor.
“The Women’s Rights Movement started in New York State, and it is only fitting that we honor the women who fought for women’s equality right here in the state capitol,” Governor Hochul said. “These trailblazing women have paved the path forward for generations of women, and their efforts will never be forgotten.”
New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “The Champions of Equality: New York Women and the Equal Rights Amendment’ exhibit honors the contributions and achievements women have made throughout our state and country’s history. Women have made great strides in leadership roles in our state and across the nation, but we also know there is much work to be done to achieve equity for all. This exhibit features some trailblazing women like Julie C. Suk and Flo Kennedy, who dedicated themselves to securing full equality for women.”
The 2024 national theme for Women’s History Month is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and the “Champions of Equality: New York Women and the Equal Rights Amendment” exhibition explores the pivotal role New Yorkers had and continue to have in advancing the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
The exhibition places a spotlight on:
- Bella Abzug, a civil liberties lawyer and co-founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971.
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court who co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU and the “Women’s Rights Law Reporter.”
- Crystal Eastman, the first woman to serve on New York State’s Commission on Employers’ Liability and Causes of Industrial Accidents, Unemployment, and Lack of Farm Labor. She co-authored the initial version of the ERA.
- Florynce Kennedy, an early member of the National Organization for Women who founded the Feminist Party and co-founded the National Black Feminist Organization.
- Gloria Steinem, a journalist and social activist who was seen as a leader of the second wave of feminism. She delivered a speech to the U.S. Senate in support of the ERA.
- Julie C. Suk, a Fordham University Law School professor whose legal work centered around constitutional and social change, especially for women. She wrote “We the Women: The Unstoppable Mothers of the Equal Rights Amendment,” the first book chronicling the history of the ERA.
The free Women’s History Month Exhibition will be on view in the Governor’s Reception Room from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays through Friday, March 29. For additional information, visit Empirestateplaza.ny.gov/champions-equality.
