RBG inspires new generation in Raleigh appearance

Ginsburg, 86, has been battling cancer, so her public appearances have been infrequent. But she didn't let her age or her health quiet quiet her resolve to end inequality.

"As bleak as things may seem, I have seen so many changes in my lifetime – opportunities opened for people of whatever race, religion and finally gender," Ginsburg told a crowd of 1,600 at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

Many of those in attendance were students and faculty from Meredith College, which sponsored her appearance.

"Justice Ginsburg has moved mountains for women, especially in education and the law. So, she has paved the way for us to be able to reach higher and jump farther," one student said.

Chants of "RBG" – the moniker Ginsburg picked up from a recent documentary about her – filled the auditorium. But those in attendance said it was her decades of work on the bench to break down barriers, not her motion picture fame, that makes her such a magnetic personality.

Even with different views on the law, Ginsburg said, high court justices must try to get along.

"Every justice wants the court to be in as good shape when that justice leaves as it was when the justice entered," she said. "To do that, we have to be collegial. Collegiality really matters in our workplace."

Ginsburg, the second woman named to the Supreme Court, has served for 26 years, but she showed no hints Monday that she's ready to leave. The court starts its new session in two weeks.

She also passed along two pieces of advice she received from her mother to young women in the audience:

Be independent. It's OK to meet Prince Charming, but always be ready to fend for yourself.

Be a lady. Don’t lose time on emotions that won’t get you anywhere, such as anger, jealousy or resentment.