August 18th marked the Centennial year of Women’s Suffrage and the ratification of the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution which allowed many women the ability to vote. The 19th Amendment was a major stride toward equality, however as we look back, it only represented the beginning of a fight for suffrage for all our sisters; it fueled the momentum and it did not stop. Bold, courageous and powerful women of all ethnicity’s and races helped fight for this right.

Through perseverance, Native Americans gained the right to vote in 1924, Asian Pacific Islander Americans, in 1952 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and 1975 ended voter suppression for African-American and Latin Americans.

The fact that today… women of all races and ethnicity’s are active in local, state and national government and are running for office in unprecedented numbers reminds us that we all follow in the footsteps of these resolute American suffragists.

The 19th amendment to the United States Constitution has played an important role in advancing the right of all women and its concept furthers equality and rights for all, regardless of race, gender, religious belief, ethnicity, orientation, and creed.

So as we reflect on this 100th year-memorializing the role of the ratification of the 19th Amendment let’s commemorate:

  • Promoting the core values of our democracy as promised by the Constitution of the United States;
  • Continuing to reiterate the importance for students and adults in the county to learn about and never forget the efforts of the women’s suffrage movement and the role of women in our democracy;
  • And further reaffirming our desire to continue to strengthen democratic participation and to inspire future generations to cherish and preserve the historic precedent established under the 19th Amendment and celebrate, right before our very eyes… corroborated efforts work!!! Senator Kamala Harris, Democratic vice-presidential nominee, makes history, standing tall on the backs of yesterday’s dreams.

In closing:

  1. Commissioner Gannon would like to recognize Commissioner Nancy Jester, Commissioner Mereda Davis-Johnson, Commissioner Lorraine Cochran Johnson, and of course herself, as well as the current elected women, and our great predecessors who have served and continue to serve the citizens of DeKalb County.
  2. And as importantly, She recognizes all of DeKalb County women voters who continue to use their vote as their voice to elect the candidates that they believe will represent a “better…the best… DeKalb.”  Commissioner Gannon also challenges the women of the next generations, to be active in public and community service, to vote, to soul search and find ways to continue the momentum of women who are now heard, seen, and are the decision makers of tomorrow.