Linda Bassham, 78, has spent most of her adult life as a political activist, an organizer who takes a stand and works on behalf of the issues important to her.
This month, the Friends of Susan B. Anthony will honor Bassham on Aug. 24 for her years of activism for human rights and equality as the organization celebrates Women’s Equality Day.
Bassham is soft-spoken, and her style is low-key, but she has remained very active. Among other things, she founded the first Women’s Center in Gainesville, served on the board of the local Pride Center, and worked with the Human Rights Coalition of Alachua County.
“I have spent the last 50 years organizing, and it’s brought a lot of joy to my life and a sense of accomplishment,” Bassham said. “I feel I have helped make a difference for women, working people, and minorities, including the LGBT+ community.”
The event started as an informal birthday party for Susan B. Anthony over 40 years ago and is now held in conjunction with the anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Each year, a local woman is recognized who exemplifies the spirit of Susan B. Anthony.
Gainesville City Manager Cynthia Curry will be the featured speaker. Curry was one of the first students to attend integrated schools in Palatka. She joined the Gainesville city government in November 2021 after working in various positions in Miami-Dade County, as well as at Florida International University and the Everglades Foundation.
Curry previously told Mainstreet Daily News about the impact of school integration in her life. Curry and her 10-year-old brother were the only African American children on the school bus when integration began in Palatka in 1965. White students would stand rather than sit next to them, she recalled.
Curry broke barriers then—becoming class president and student government president in integrated schools—and she’s still breaking barriers now as she works on behalf of the city.
Bassham and Curry have taken different paths to achieve their success.
“I feel happy to be recognized; I really do,” Bassham said. But I also feel humbled. There are so many of us out here working, and we all need to be recognized.”
The luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Best Western Grand Hotel (4200 NW 97th Blvd.). For further information and instructions on how to register, visit the organization’s website at www.fosba.com.