"The 15th annual Addison Gayle Memorial Lecture features Gloria Steinem, a noted feminist, writer and journalist.

Steinem celebrated the memory of celebrated literary critic, writer and former City College professor Addison Gayle in a lecture entitled “The Longest Revolution.”

She was introduced by a panel of four speakers. Jeffrey Peck, dean of Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, called her an “icon of the feminist movement.” Kathleen Waldron, Baruch college president spoke of being “inspired” by Steinem and communications Professor Sara Ryan called her a “courageous feminist leader.” Lastly, “the most humane individual I’ve met,” were the words used to describe Steinem by English Professor Tuzyline Allan, who is in charge of organizing the Addison Gayle Memorial Lecture series.

Mrs. Steinem spoke of her experience working with Addison Gayle back when she first started out as a journalist. She worked with him “at a time when he was thought of as Negro, not African-American or American,” she said. They both shared “empathy for their audience.”

Mrs. Steinem looks to a future where people won’t think that “your genitals control your brain or that the pigment of your skin matters.” She calls these race and gender categories “fiction.” We should not concentrate on the generalized differences. It’s the unique differences that are important, according to Steinem.

Steinem stressed that the civil rights and women’s movement, as well as the strides made in gay and lesbian rights propelled in tandem. The confluence of individuals challenging the status quo fueled the radical changes that took place during the 60s.

The event takes place on April 1, 2009, at Mason Hall, Baruch College."