Meet the Real Badass Women of Hulu's "Mrs. America"

The Hulu/FX series. “Mrs. America”, tells the story of the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), and the unexpected backlash led by a conservative woman named Phyllis Schlafly, aka “the sweetheart of the silent majority.”

Through the eyes of the women of the era – both Schlafly and second wave feminists Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, Shirley Chisholm, Bella Abzug and Jill Ruckelshaus – the series explores how one of the toughest battlegrounds in the culture wars of the 70s helped give rise to the Moral Majority and forever shifted the political landscape.

Want to know more about those badass women? Check out these books!

 

The fascinating true story of the characters in Hulu's "Mrs. America" and a broader portrait of the two women's movements that spurred an enduring rift between liberals and conservatives.

 

A beautifully illustrated collection of Gloria Steinem’s most inspirational and outrageous quotes, with an introduction and essays by the feminist activist herself.

 

Unbought and Unbossed is Shirley Chisholm's account of her remarkable rise from young girl in Brooklyn to America's first Black Congresswoman. She shares how she took on an entrenched system, gave a public voice to millions, and sets the stage for her trailblazing bid to be the first woman and first Black President of the United States. By daring to be herself, Shirley Chisholm shows us how she forever changed the status quo.

 

For more than fifty years, Bella Abzug championed the powerless and disenfranchised as an activist, congresswoman, and leader in every major social initiative of her time.  Presented in the voices of both friends and foes, of those who knew, fought with, revered, and struggled alongside her, this oral biography is a comprehensive account of a woman who was one of our most influential leaders.

 

Often photographed in a cowboy hat with her middle finger held defiantly in the air, Florynce "Flo" Kennedy left a vibrant legacy as a leader of the Black Power and feminist movements. In the first biography of Kennedy, Sherie M. Randolph traces the life and political influence of this strikingly bold and controversial radical activist. Rather than simply reacting to the predominantly white feminist movement, Kennedy brought the lessons of Black Power to white feminism and built bridges in the struggles against racism and sexism. 

Looking for books and gifts for you and the badass women in your life? Visit our Badass Women’s Book Club Online Store!  I do earn a small commission from sales made from this site (and the links above!) – so thank you in advance for your support!

Gina Warner