SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — (ENEWSPF)—August 25, 2018
By: Rosemary Piser
Women’s Equality Day is celebrated in the United States on August 26 to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This Amendment prohibits states and the federal government from denying U.S. citizens the right to vote in the United States on the basis of sex. It was first celebrated in 1973.
To commemorate this event, Michael J. Madigan, chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, released the following statement:
“Today marks the 98th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, when a woman’s right to vote was first recognized. At this time, we honor especially women of color, who were wrongly overlooked by the 19th Amendment’s ratification in 1920.
“On this day, we celebrate heroic Illinois women. Born in 1917, Illinois Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks published her first poem at age 13. She became a seminal voice of the 20th century and was the first African-American recipient of the Pulitzer Prize.
“Born in 1860, Jane Addams is known by many as the ‘mother’ of social work after her work as a renowned Chicago reformer. She was the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and was a trailblazing voice during the Progressive Era.
“Illinois is the latest state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, and the Democratic Party continues to fight to protect equal opportunity for women. We are fighting to empower women in the workplace, in politics, and in the family. Under President Trump and his Supreme Court nominee, women’s rights have come further under threat, making it even more important to keep up the fight for equality.
“On this day, we also redouble our efforts to secure full access to the ballot box. This year, women have broken records, surpassing the number of women nominees for the U.S. House and governor. Women are also expected to be decisive in the outcome of this year’s elections. Illinois Democrats stand proudly in the fight for voting rights, especially for working families and communities of color.
“If we are complacent, we jeopardize the progress hard-won by Illinois women like Gwendolyn Brooks and Jane Addams. We must elevate all of the brilliant and courageous women in our communities. On this historic day, let us come together secure a just and equal future for all Illinoisans.”
Source: Office of IL House Speaker Madigan
