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In Honor of Susan B Anthony’s Birthday
Happy Birthday Susan B. Anthony
An editorial by Wanda Sobieski, President of the Suffrage Coalition and Women's Suffrage Museum
February 15, 1820, little note was taken of the birth of a Quaker girl who later spearheaded the single most sweeping nonviolent political change in this country since its founding—more than half of all Americans who had been excluded, won a voice in their government due, in large part, to her unbelievable dedication.
That amazing feat was accomplished with very little in the way of resources: no political power, no right to speak in public, no right to public education, no right to own property and no rights even to their own children—husbands could give them away without the mothers’ consent.
Almost unbelievably, when Tennessee cast the final necessary vote to make woman suffrage law, some 72 years after the campaign began, that right to vote was finally won with devotion and sacrifice, but no bloodshed.
Anthony endured endless verbal attacks and threats, along with rotten eggs, rotten tomatoes and occasional brandishing of knives and pistols. She also turned down at least five proposals of marriage so as not to be distracted from her work.
She gave hundreds of speeches, wrote hundreds of articles, travelled thousands of miles in primitive transportation, organized and/or attended thousands of meetings, but still kept her sense of humor, patience and tolerance. As she aged, she became affectionately known to the younger suffragists as “Aunt Susan.” One of her handwritten letters that will be available at the Women’s Suffrage Museum, written after nearly 44 years working for the cause says it all. After discussing the business at hand, she closed with this: “With lots of love and a happy heart, Susan B. Anthony.”
Thank you Susan B. for changing our world.
May we show our appreciation by using our voice for fairness and equality for all.
