Violet
I am excited about the monument because it isn't fair that girls aren't on the National Mall.
“Hands of women—Black, White, Latina, Asian, Native American, young and old—lift a transparent ballot box together. The monument symbolizes that democracy was never won by one woman, but by generations of women whose collective courage lifted the vote into the hands of every American. Visitors can walk among the hands and see themselves reflected in the glass ballot box, reminding them that protecting democracy is an ongoing responsibility.”
I was overwhelmed with gratefulness and absolutely awestruck, watching Suffs! I sat with my friends- a labor lawyer, an accountant, a marketing director and a Doctor of Nursing Practice- NP. My friends are all educated professionals also mothers who contributed to society in our own ways. We have opinions and experiences that form our voices. We were awestruck that our vote and voice are apart of our rights and none of us were ever taught the history of these Suffs!! This happened right outside of the theater less than 100 years ago! They fought and sacrificed for me and every woman in our country! They deserve to revered and honored!!
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.
