LOOKING BACK ON WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE Hard to believe 100 years ago women were unable to vote in America. The struggle of Women’s Suffrage started nearly 200 years ago. Pioneer women of the 1820’s and 1830’s had long fought for this inalienable right ensured to their husbands and sons. The Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 was held at the Wesleyan Chapel in New York.
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eventy-two years later women finally got the right to vote. Five dynamic women were the first organizers of what became the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Elizabeth Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Mary M’Clintock, Martha Wright and Jane Hunt were women pioneers promoting this crusade in the 1800’s and they deserve their place in history. Nevada has some very special leaders committed to supporting women. Governor Steve Sisolak and First Lady Kathy Sisolak did a reenactment for celebrating Nevada Women’s Nineteenth Amendment Anniversary Day with a Proclamation on February 7, 2020. Governor Sisolak even uses the infamous desk where Governor Boyle signed the resolution on February 7, 1920 to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Back in 1920, the women rode the train to gather in Carson City for that historic day with Governor Boyle. That was the day that brought all women the promise of a better future for their daughter’s, their daughter’s daughters and great granddaughters. The Nevada Legislature chose an accomplished leader in 2007 when Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley became the first female Speaker. While Buckley was an exceptional Speaker, she has also helped countless individuals with legal issues as the executive director of Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada. Barbara shared the importance of voting rights. “In 100 years, Nevada went from the 28th State to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment to the first State with a majority-woman legislature, congressional delegation, and supreme court. As we look back on this milestone, it is important to remember how hard-fought the victory was. It took decades of protests, arrests, and political struggle to accomplish. It took the bravery of many to stand up for what is right. And the vestiges of inequality still re-
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Suffrage Reenactment
quire the help and mentorship of so many to reach out to the next generation - to both educate them about the struggle and to teach them how to become leaders of tomorrow.” On February 7, 2020, former Assemblywoman, Senator and now Secretary of State, Barbara Cegaske celebrated this special occasion with the Governor, First Lady, Lt. Governor Kate Marshall, Speaker of the House Jason Frierson, Assemblywoman Maggie Carlton and other notable Nevadans. Cegaske dressed for the occasion with 1920’s attire for the reenactment photograph. The Secretary is head of the Election Division and the record keeper of the state. Cegaske understands the importance of voting and voting rights. “Voting is both a privilege and a responsibility that all citizens must take seriously. I am fortunate to have always lived in a time when women have been afforded the opportunity to vote.
To mark 100 years of Women’s Suffrage while serving as Nevada’s third female Secretary of State will be a special honor for me and I am extremely proud to join women across the country in celebrating this important milestone in 2020.” Molly Walt of the Nevada Commission for Women has been involved in the celebration of this Movement. “Suffrage Specialty License Plates can be purchased at DMV. May 2nd, A Salute to Women’s Suffrage Parade will be held in Henderson, NV. Nevada State Railroad will re-create the Suffrage Train offering rides all day on August 15th. Nevada Day Parade will have a special float this year, Women’s Suffrage.” MV For more information: https://nv19thamendmentcentennial.com/
Story By Dawn Gibbons