John –

102 years ago today, the 19th Amendment became law. This moment in history signaled a changing tide and ushered in a new era of expanded rights and democratic ideals. About 26 million women won the right to vote, but millions more were excluded.

Suffrage was not truly universal. It would be another 45 years until women, regardless of race, gender, and class could legally vote.

Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ida B. Wells, Mary Church Terrell, Ella Baker, Rosa Parks, and Angela Davis. These are some of the Black civil rights activists who dedicated their lives to expanding rights to all.

Their fight looked different than that of their white counterparts. They were often met with hostility and police brutality, imprisonment, and other forms of violence.

For centuries, women’s rights have often been left to the whims of white and male-dominated legislative bodies. History shows us that to achieve equality and solidarity, we must elect leaders who represent the diversity of our communities and will stand up for the marginalized.

Our fight is not over. To this day, voting rights are being attacked and threatened nationwide.

This Women’s Equality Day, do your part and participate in our democracy. In memory of those who fought so hard for universal suffrage – check your voter registration and ensure you’re up-to-date and ready to exercise your rights on November 8!

In solidarity,

Dwight