Central Square 1970s-1990s

The term “second wave feminism” refers to the feminist activity and thought that took root in the late 1960s and continued for approximately two decades primarily in industrialized nations in the West. As the women’s movement sparked across the United States, Cambridge became a center of revolution and organizing, much like New York, San Francisco, and other major U.S. cities twice its size. At the turn of the new decade in 1970, many local protests demanded changes that were similar to the national movement’s calls; from the Bread and Roses March of 1970, to a protest of Harvard University’s 1970 commencement led by Saundra Graham, to the famous 1971 takeover at 888 Memorial Drive. Cambridge activists were fighting for greater access to health and child care, racial equity, an end to the Vietnam War, a condemnation of sexual violence, and so much more.

In Central Square, activists organized around abortion access, domestic violence prevention and services, prisoners’ rights, housing, representation in the arts, and much more. In this guide, we highlight feminist, socialist, and educational institutions that emerged and thrived in Central Square from the late 1960s through the 1990s and recognize the unique contributions they made to Cambridge feminist history.

We acknowledge that feminist organizing, while aspiring to inclusion, has experienced and continues to experience exclusions of race, class, gender identity, religion, and disability. Our work has led us to many stories from multiple perspectives, and we know there are always more to find.

Learn more about women’s contributions to Cambridge by visiting the Cambridge Women’s Heritage Project database at www2.cambridgema.gov/Historic/CWHP