The 19th Amendment
The 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution - often referred to as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment for the women’s activist who pioneered the amendment but died before its ratification - was passed by Congress on June 4, 1919. The Tennessee Legislature became the 36th state to ratify the amendment on August 18, 1920, providing a one-vote victory for suffragists. The amendment ensures “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."
Wonderful poster designs of suffragists were created for use in local celebrations of the ratification of the 19th amendment. The posters are displayed in downtown Bristol businesses. They will be offered to the libraries in the region, schools, and to other public community venues for display throughout the year.
Women's Suffrage Centennial
The YWCA is proud to lead this community celebration that honors the hard-won success of those who worked tirelessly to ensure women’s voices were heard at the ballot box. The right to vote was a monumental step toward eliminating racism, empowering women, and the other values that are central to the YWCA’s mission.
A key part of the local celebration will be to document the stories of local residents who were active in the suffrage movement. Those with photos, articles, or stories regarding residents of Bristol and surrounding communities who were instrumental in the movement are asked to share their information by sending to WomensSuffrage@ywcatnva.org.
Calendar of Events for 2020 (due to the COVID pandemic, several events were postponed or cancelled)
January
Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00 pm
Bristol TN Council Meeting
Slater Center
325 McDowell Street
Bristol, TN
Signed Joint Proclamation with Bristol, VA
Tuesday, January 14 at 6:00 pm
Bristol VA Council Meeting
City Council Chambers
300 Lee Street
Bristol, VA
Will sign Joint Proclamation with Bristol, TN
February
Monday, February 24 at 9:15 am
King University Memorial Chapel
The Bible and the Ballot: Arguing for Women's Suffrage
Thursday, February 27 at 3:00 pm
Bristol Public Library
Planning meeting for Centennial Celebration
May
Thursday, May 28 7:30pm - 8:30pm via Zoom
"Behind the Scenes" for Winter Wheat with Barter Theatre
June
Monday, June 8
(Changed to August 10)
YWCA/BHA/BTS Women’s Suffrage Centennial function
August
YWCA/BHA/BTS Women’s Suffrage Centennial function
This event can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/Ap9AEWFYRxQ
Wednesday, August 26
Remembrance Celebration of Women's Equality Day
Bristol TN-VA
Activities will be held from 10:30am -3:00pm at the Bristol Train Station
Members of the public are invited to wear white and to walk downtown commemorating the centennial anniversary. Masks or face coverings are requested, and social distancing will be practiced. Store windows will be decorated with posters of suffragists. Activities will also include information tables, photo opportunities, suffragists in costume on property, voter registration, and it is hoped that commemorative postage stamps will be available.
The community is encouraged to ring bells and make noise in celebration of the centennial anniversary at noon!
Watch for this Event!
YWCA Northeast TN and Southwest VA retains the right to deny the submission of any events or activities on this calendar that do not advance the organization’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YWCA NETN/SWVA is a non-partisan 501(c)3 organization and does not endorse or support any candidate for public office. No politically partisan events will be approved for submission on this calendar.