Why I Marched

Marilyn Fitterman is a feminist activist, mother of five, and grandmother of nine. She served from 1988 to 1992 as President of National Organization for Women - New York State. She was also National NOW Northeast Regional Director, President of National NOW Presidents' Caucus, and a co-founder of Long Island, NY NOW-PAC (Political Action Committee). Fitterman also served as Long Island East End NOW President, and in later years chaired the East Hampton Town Anti-Bias Task Force. She is an experienced lobbyist and has often spoken around the country on First Amendment free speech, church/state separation, abortion and reproductive rights.







"Marilyn Fitterman led the women's movement in New York during a tumultuous, yet thrilling era for women's rights. Never one to mince words or sugarcoat the truth, her memoir is a gripping, funny, and reflective look at life as a leading Second Wave feminist. This book is instructive for social justice activists and all women today."

Sonia Ossorio - President NOW-NYS & President NOW- NYC



"Here's a personal behind-the-scenes rags-to-politics story of a courageous, effective, feminist activist. Fitterman spent decades on the front lines for abortion rights, birth control, and women's autonomy. I'm excited about this book; it is a MUST READ."

Bill Baird - of US Supreme Court's 1972 Baird v. Eisenstadt decision making birth control legal for singles in the US.



"In 1989 Fitterman hired me as lobbyist. Throughout her NOW-NYS presidency she was a true visionary and brilliant strategist whom I remember whispering at a statewide meeting, "My God, they're going after birth control." She saw, before most, the oncoming onslaught against women's reproductive freedom. She stands throughout time as a beacon and tireless fighter for girls' and women's personal dignity."

Lois Shapiro Canter, J. D. - President, Saratoga Foundation for Women WorldWide Inc. & President, Saratoga Unites, Inc.



"I always knew I had a voice but never realized how strong it could be until I met Marilyn Fitterman. I thank her for all she gave me... the courage to speak truth to power."

Marcia Pappas - Past President NOW-NYS & Past NOW-Northeast Regional Director