Violet
I am excited about the monument because it isn't fair that girls aren't on the National Mall.
“Inspiring applied citizenship is what I think about in stories about women's suffrage. The work, the political strategies, tenacity until complete, reminds me to never stop my work in disability no matter how difficult and long the road is. My suggestion is: life size statues of actual women and their activities, over time, which influenced that drive, continuing to demonstrate what that work will always be, as a method that adults can look to as a reminder and children can be mentored by. Children hanging around the knees of their mother as she votes. Women who were arrested and imprisoned for working towards voting rights. Amendment introduced in Congress. Frederick Douglas as he visited Seneca Falls presses upon me how women relevant in their support of other issues of their time. National Association of Colored Women moved to overcome the negotiation of their rights in that difficult delay. Jeannette Rankin becomes the first woman elected to Congress. A male legislator voting in Tennessee for the 36th state to ratify. All working together on a current issue we are positive is voting, in front of a map which contains the date each state passed amendments. A child pointing to her state gives us hope of who will be the next citizen to protect voting in the future. Tennessee Women Suffrage monuments except on the ground where we can walk among them and sit with them at their desks, as they protest, debate, and walk through DC. Stand next to them as they vote.”
1848 Seneca Falls Convention, Susan B Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Jeanette Rankin, real people who did important work.
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.
