August 26, 2020, is Women’s Equality Day. This year is the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guaranteed women the constitutional right to vote. People are encouraged to celebrate at noon on Wed., Aug. 26, with the ringing of bells, blowing of whistles, and honking of horns, as was done in 1920 (reported in the Madison Capital Times on August 27, 1920).
It is important to remember that the path to equality for all women was uneven. Despite a historical connection between abolition and suffrage, discrimination within the suffragist movement forced the creation of separate organizations. And even after the 1920 victory, African American women continued to face barriers to exercising their right to vote such as literacy tests. You can read more about it and see a timeline of key events for Black suffragists online.
It is shocking sometimes how little we know about our own history! To test your knowledge about suffrage, and to learn more, you can visit the Women’s Vote Centennial Initiative website and take the quizzes there!
For assistance with finding additional resources, such as articles or books, please ask a librarian (visit or contact staff at the Reference Desk, email, chat, or make an appointment).
Andersen Library is a federal depository library with federal government documents on a variety of current and relevant issues available to you in various formats (print, DVD/CD-ROM, online). Check out your government at Andersen Library!
