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Women's Suffrage

NY Times marks the 100th anniversary of Women’s suffrage

Today’s New York Times included a special section, Suffrage at 100: “To mark the anniversary of the 19th Amendment, we’re revisiting the stories of how women won the right to vote in the United States.”

On Tues. August 18th, Unfinished Work: Finish the Fight will premiere at 7:00pm ET. [Update: watch the recording on Youtube.] The Times describes it as “a  virtual play, celebrating the unsung heroes of suffrage.”

“They were tireless organizers. Tenacious fighters. And political geniuses. They were Black and Latinx. Indigenous and immigrant. Together, they won women the right to vote and laid the cornerstone for gender equality in the United States. Yet their stories have rarely been told. Until now.

This August, we give voice to these heroes of the suffrage movement. Join us for the premiere of this innovative new performance. Learn why their fight is far from over.”

Read more →

Suffrage100 MA – Blue Bird Day

Blue Bird Day, July 19:

On July 19, 1915, “Suffrage Blue Bird Day,” approximately 100,000 colorful, tin 12” x 4” Blue Birds were pinned up around the state in an effort to promote passage of an upcoming Nov. 2, 1915 referendum that would have expanded the vote (federal, state and local elections) to women. Unfortunately, the Massachusetts referendum failed, and Massachusetts women did not gain the vote until the 19th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution was ratified in 1920.

Let’s plaster social media with Blue Birds and remember the suffragists! This is a great activity for all ages. Check Suffrage100MA website for info on how you can get involved, including how to draw a Blue Bird.

#MABluebirdDay #suffrage100ma

 #NewtonTogether…

#NewtonTogether, April 20, 2020On Friday, LWVN sent a message to all members asking us to join the Mayor’s initiative,  #NewtonTogether.  All Newtonians were asked to make handmade signs and display them in their windows on Marathon Day.

Through our creativity, we, as women of Newton, can share the incredible joy, strength, and resiliency of our community while connecting virtually.

The Suffragists and poster, courtesy of Nina McCarty, age 8, Arlington MA, were displayed at Marcia Johnson’s house on Bemis Street in Newton.

Please Stay Safe & Healthy!

 

 

 

 

Volunteer Opportunity – Celebration of the Adoption of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Dear Members,

Women’s Equality Day is celebrated in the United States on August 26 to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.

In preparation for this important day this summer, the Board is looking for members who have an interest in history, excitement for this important achievement for women, time and energy to help plan event(s).

If you are interested, please send an email to info@lwvnewton.org and let us know how you would like to be involved.

Sincerely,

Marcia Johnson

League of Women Voters 100th Anniversary Party

On February 14th, the League of Women Voters celebrated it’s 100th anniversary at City Hall.

The League was officially founded in Chicago in 1920, just six months before the 19th amendment was ratified and women won the vote. Formed by the suffragists of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, the League began as a “mighty political experiment” designed to help 20 million women carry out their new responsibilities as voters.

Theresa Fitzpatrick and Ellen Grody  decorated the War Memorial with hearts, league memorabilia, materials to make valentines and wonderful sweet treats.  The approximately 40 people joining the fun,  including Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and City Councilors Jake Auchincloss, Andrea Downs, Andrea Kelley, and Holly Ryan.

Mayor Fuller established, through her proclamation, February 14th 2020 as League of Women Voters day.  Thank you to Ellen and Theresa for all of their work in making this a fantastic birthday for the League of Women Voters.