In celebration of Susan B. Anthony's birthday, women of Rochester gathered to honor her memory and legacy at an annual luncheon.
This year's keynote speaker was Lynn Sherr. She's a journalist and author of many books, most recently Sally Ride: America's First Woman in Space. She says there are many parallels between Sally Ride, and Susan B. Anthony, and other trail-blazing women.
"Susan B. and Sally suffered enormous ridicule at the hands of some uniformed people, men and women. Both were very private individuals who nonetheless went on the public stage for what they believed in. Both have become national heroes."
Sherr has also written a biography of Susan B. Anthony and says the suffragette is one of her personal role models, for a variety of reasons.
"Her broader concern that women should be on a level playing field, and have equal rights to men in all aspects is what attracts me to her. I also love Susan B. Anthony because she was witty and funny and very charming, despite the very serious image that everyone has of her."
State and regional women leaders were also honored guests at the luncheon. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul says she's looked to Susan B. Anthony's example throughout her political career.
"I drew a lot of inspiration from the fights that this courageous woman took on, much more than just her reputation of being a suffragette and fighting for women's rights. She fought slavery, she fought against abuses of workers, so she fought for labor rights."
County Executive Maggie Brooks says she wants to help share Susan B. Anthony's messages with the next generation.
"She took a lot of risks and put her personal reputation on the line. And I think it's those inspirational stories that motivate me, that energize me, and I want to pass that along to my daughters."
The annual luncheon also serves as a fundraiser for the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, where she lived for 40 years while she was the face of the women's rights movement.
