Violet
I am excited about the monument because it isn't fair that girls aren't on the National Mall.
“In 1916 Alice Burke and Nell Richardson drove around the country for suffrage. Encountering bad weather, rough roads, car issues, and bullets, they drove their Saxon roadster from town to town, telling the population of this country why women deserved the right to vote. In their drive for the cause, they covered 10,700 miles in 6 months becoming the first two women to drive across the country and back. They did the tour not for the glory of the drive but because they believed in the message. Recently Alice and Nell’s tour inspired a similar tour focused on signing the Equal Rights Amendment into the Constitution. If these women were brave enough to put themselves out there for a cause they believed in so should those who believe that all people are created equal. To learn more about Alice and Nell’s drive, read “Driving the Vote for Women - An American Journey for Suffrage.””
My husband bought a Saxon in 2009 and was told the story of Alice and Nell. My research led to a magazine article, which in turn became part of a museum show. A publisher walked into the museum and contacted me about writing a book. Two years later, a feminist/activist walked into the museum, bought the book and proposed a nationwide tour for the ERA. The enthusiasm I have gotten from telling the story has only increased my excitement about a monument to the brave women who fought for suffrage.
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.
