Throughout history, the women of the world have united and have made enormous strides in their efforts to overcome oppressive practices and antiquated values and belief systems. From the Suffragist Movement 100 years ago to the more recent “Me Too” movement, women have played a pivotal role in the advancement of women’s rights. More than 100 years ago, the suffragists, were fighting for a woman’s right to vote at a difficult time when the country was fighting in World War I. Their courageous and persistent protests were controversial and effective.
This year marks 100 years since the passage of the 19th Amendment which guarantees and protects a woman’s right to vote; however, many states’ laws, even after passage of the amendment continued to discriminate against African American female voters by imposing literacy tests and poll taxes. This fundamental right continued to be elusive for women of color throughout the 20th Century, specifically for black women.
Today, feminists are still protesting injustice. as vigorously as their predecessors did 100 years ago. Racial inequality, housing discrimination, race-based violence, police brutality, and anti-immigration policies are disproportionately affecting women of color, and they ultimately increase injustice for all women.
“Through the Aurora Public Library District’s (APLD) brand new Strategic Plan Pillar: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and presentation of the ‘Celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote’ program, the Library leaders and staff members hope to enlighten and educate Library patrons about the importance of the early suffrage movement, and connect them with modern-day authors and educators who are continuing to critically examine the significance of the movement on today’s democracy,” said Krista Danis, APLD programs and events coordinator. The preograms will be Thursday, Sept. 17 and Thursday, Nov. 19.
One of these educators is Anya Jabour, the author of “Sophonisba Breckinridge: Championing Women’s Activism in Modern America;” Breckinridge is not a name typically heard in a history class, and she certainly is not a predominant name in our current studies of the women’s movement and reform movements of the 19th Century and 20th Centuries, but she is a notable figure nonetheless. Jabour’s work is a compelling look at Breckinridge and the movement she championed.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn about Breckinridge’s life, work, and dedication to social and progressive reform in the United States. “Although visitors might not know about the prolific catalog of works by Anya Jabour, they’ll have a chance to hear from her directly and to learn more from her scholarly perspective in this program,” said Danis.
Attendees can learn more about the Suffragist Movement and all of the a related events, activities and literary works that will be highlighted during the 100th Anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage in the United State by visiting our website at aurorapubliclibrary.org/100womenvote
Andrew Muñoz is communications coordinator at the Aurora Public Library.