August 18, 2020
Ms. Foundation for Women on the Centennial Anniversary of the Ratification of the 19th Amendment:
Ms. Foundation for Women on the Centennial Anniversary of the Ratification of the 19th Amendment:
NEW YORK (August 18, 2020) – Ms. Foundation for Women President and CEO Teresa C. Younger released the following statement in honor of the Centennial Anniversary of the 19th Amendment’s ratification:
“Today, we recognize the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment, allowing women the right to vote. We thank the women whose tireless work paved the way for this right to have our voices heard and those who have continued the fight. But let’s be clear – this only granted white women the right to vote, and it took nearly half a century more for Black women and other women of color to be granted this right. Although a milestone for the feminist movement, one century later, this celebration is overshadowed by the injustices that Black women and women of color continue to face this day concerning their voting rights.
“Progress cannot be achieved if it uplifts only one race or experience. Our efforts must be intersectional and actively include the voices and concerns of marginalized communities. Indigenous, Black, Asian, Latinx, Trans, immigrant women, and women with disabilities have never received the same space to voice their political concerns, nor have they been afforded equal political opportunities as white women, and this cannot continue.
“With fewer than 80 days until this year’s critical election, it’s imperative that we all recognize the power and importance of our vote. As elected officials attempt to suppress our voices—limiting mail-in voting during a global pandemic, closing down polling places, and purging registration rolls—let’s reckon with the 19th Amendment’s legacy and cast our votes for leaders that respect and protect all people’s rights. Remember to vote not only for yourself but also for those standing next to you, as that is how we will achieve the permanent change necessary to move our country forward.
“The Ms. Foundation for Women and our grantee partners recognize this important moment in the history of the feminist movement, and will continue to fight to uplight voices for justice for all marginalized groups, until all genders, races, and communities stand as equals – regardless of who sits in office.”
Ms. Foundation spokespeople are available for interviews by phone from NYC. To schedule, please contact Sunshine Sachs at [email protected].
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For 45 years, the Ms. Foundation for Women has worked to build women’s collective power in the U.S. to advance equity and justice for all. The Ms. Foundation invests in, and strengthens the capacity of women led movements to advance meaningful social, cultural, and economic change in the lives of women. With equity and inclusion as the cornerstones of true democracy, the Ms. Foundation works to create a world in which the worth and dignity of every person are valued, and power and possibility are not limited by gender, race, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or age.