Violet
I am excited about the monument because it isn't fair that girls aren't on the National Mall.
“In 2018, I took a poetry workshop with poet Richard Blanco in Provincetown. He challenged us to write a commemorative poem. I was the only one in the class to do it. It took me two years, but I chose the 100th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage in 2020 as my topic. The poem is titled, One Uprise, and includes a stanza for each decade [1920-2020] on the essence of women's status in society at the time. In 2020, I was invited by Fredie Kay of the Women's Suffrage Celebration Coalition of Massachusetts to read my poem during one of the many events that were supposed to take place that year. Sadly, Covid thwarted everyone's plans and I never had that opportunity. I am submitting my poem in the hope that it might be included in the Monumental Idea celebration however you see fit. And, of course, I would be beyond honored to read it.”
I was inspired by my grandmother, Mildred Wright Ingraham, who was a suffragist in Wisconsin. She was the president of the Suffrage Society at her college, Milwaukee Downer [later incorporated into the University of Wisconsin]. I have photos of her from 1917 at Suffragist rallies. Later, when I was a girl, she would take me to the swan boats in Boston and tell me stories of how they were given to Boston by the Suffragists. I have a feeling that some of the women I met when with her in those days were her old Suffragist pals. Another Monumental Idea might be something that showcases the history of the iconic Boston swan boats.
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.
