Violet
I am excited about the monument because it isn't fair that girls aren't on the National Mall.
“The monument should powerfully reflect the spirit of the 19th Amendment by honoring the collective struggle, courage, and unity of women who fought for the right to vote. A meaningful design could feature Black and white women holding hands or embracing, symbolizing solidarity, shared purpose, and the strength that comes from standing together across racial lines. Such a monument would not only recognize the women’s suffrage movement, but also serve as a lasting tribute to unity, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice for all women.”
The words, phrases, and stories that inspired me are rooted in legacy, resilience, and the enduring strength of women who came before me. I am especially inspired by my grandmother, Katie L. Harrison, whose life represents both history and perseverance. As a descendant connected to the lineage of President William and Benjamin Harrison, her story reflects the complex and often untold intersections of American history, identity, and progress.
Her presence in my life has been a reminder that history is not distant—it lives within us. The stories of women like her, who carried strength, dignity, and resilience through generations, inspire me to think about the women’s suffrage movement not just as a moment in time, but as part of a larger, ongoing journey toward equality and recognition.
Words like unity, courage, legacy, and justice guided my creative process. These themes, combined with my grandmother’s influence, inspired me to envision a monument that reflects connection across generations and the power of women standing together to shape history and the future.
Featured Submissions
Leslie
My grandmother, Juana, came to the United States from the Philippines in 1973 and opened the door to the life I was born into. She was gentle but strong, and her love shaped our big, close family in ways I carry with me every day. When I think about the monument, I see her and all the women whose quiet courage, often unseen, built the foundation for the generations that came after them.
Graham
I am inspired by the suffragists bravery when protesting outside the White House even when they knew they would get arrested.
Diane
I am inspired by the suffragists creativity and resilience. I sewed this replica banner with one of my favorite slogans from the suffrage movement, "Forward Into Light".
Sloane
My drawing is of a strong independent woman holding the women's suffrage flag that I feel represents this movement in history and continues to hold true today.
Lily
My monument idea is one that honors the fight of the past while allowing space for the future of women’s rights to come. It is of a sash winding and rising upwards towards a fire. The fire represents courage, endurance, and the many voices of women who fought, and continue to fight for equality. It is a flame that can never be extinguished. At the bottom of the sash are symbols of the early suffrage movement such as a “Women Vote” button, a suffrage bluebird, and a yellow suffrage rose. The middle of the sash has the saying, “They ignited the flame. Our Voices Keep it Burning.” This honors the fight of those who came before us, and encourages new voices to continue their efforts for equality. The top of the sash is left empty and unwritten to allow for the next generation to leave their mark.
