It was a big day for everyone in the United States on November 6, 2018, it was especially a big day for women. People often overlook simple ideas and actions such as voting. It’s our constitutional right to choose our government and not everyone chooses to enact that right. We live in a world where we have the privilege of choosing whether or not we use our voice and cast a ballot. We have this right because of someone who refused to back down and be silent in an unjust world.
That voice belonged to Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906). She was a woman ahead of her time, standing up for injustices across the board. Susan came from a family of revolution and peace, and this combination drove her throughout her life to stand up for those who needed her to. She was an active abolitionist, education reformer, labor activist and suffragist. Susan wanted equality for all in all aspects of life. She wanted equal pay, equal jobs and even social standards for men and women no matter the color of their skin.
Susan B. Anthony was arrested for voting, FOR VOTING -she was arrested for giving her OPINION on matters that would have an effect on her. In 1872, she was tried and convicted of this horrendous act and fined $100 (equal to about $2,000 today) which she refused to pay, luckily this ridiculousness brought national attention to the cause. Susan and other women’s rights activists toured the nation and speaking out to the public:
“No man is good enough to govern any woman without her consent”
“There never will be complete equality until women themselves help to make laws and elect lawmakers”
Susan continued to fight for women’s rights and equality until she passed in 1906, she didn’t get to witness the passing of the 19th amendment, also known as the Susan B. Anthony amendment in 1920, but her bravery and fire lives on in us all.
So, it doesn’t matter who you voted for on November 6, or who you vote for in the future. What matters is that you CAN vote and that you use your voice because we remember those who came before us and suffered the injustices we can only read about today.
Written by our magical Historical Guest Blogger: Alicia Whitcome
