Twentieth Century

1986

Gloria Steinem Speaks at Commencement

Gloria Steinem, feminist activist and founder of Ms. Magazine, speaks at Wheaton’s 151st Commencement. In her address to the class of 1986, Steinem recognizes second-wave feminist progress, but outlines four areas where change still needs to be enacted: reproductive freedom, foreign policy, gender-based violence, and self-respect. Steinem concludes her speech by encouraging social action, stating, “a movement is only composed of people moving. It is not mysterious. It is the future. It is you.”