On Aug. 25, the CSRA League of Women Voters will host the Votes and Petticoats event to commemorate the 104th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment.
“From the very beginnings of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, organizers realized that they needed to use symbolism to help get their message across and make it memorable,” according to information from the CSRA League of Women Voters. “In Votes & Petticoats, we will highlight how changes in fashion and the use of color were important symbols during the Women’s Suffrage Movement. The white dresses and gowns worn in the Suffrage Procession of 1913, for example, were part of their political statement for the cause.”
Congress ratified the 19th Amendment on Aug. 18, 1920. It states that “the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”
However, not all women could immediately exercise this newfound privilege. Barriers to the vote continued for non-white women.
As part of the event, there will a fashion show highlighting the original designs of Melanie Caballero, Haute Couture.
Also, there will be a discussion about the use of color and fashion within the women’s voting movement.
Votes and Petticoats will be at 3 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 3501 Walton Way. The organization invites attendees to come dressed in period dress – complete with hats, sashes and parasols. Space is limited for the free event; register here.
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan group that does not support a specific party or candidate.
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