Supporting The Goals And Ideals Of A National Suffragists Day

Floor Speech

SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF A NATIONAL SUFFRAGISTS DAY -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 10, 2007)

* Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 105--A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of a National Suffragists Day to promote awareness of the importance of the women suffragists who worked for the right of women to vote in the United States.

* One suffragette in particular comes to mind--Ms. Sojourner Truth. Sojourner Truth was an ex-slave, abolitionist and feminist who fought for women's rights. In that regard, she delivered her famous ``Ain't I A Woman'' speech at the 1851 Women's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio.

* Her speech dispels the perception of women as fragile beings unable to hold our own in society. Ms. Truth outlined the work she has done--planting, plowing and gathering in barns. All without the assistance of a man. She then raises the question; Ain't I a woman?

* Sojourner Truth called for the extension of voting rights to all women. Her presence at the Convention was an important milestone in the women's movement and her speech left an indelible mark on the Convention, thus becoming a milestone of the women's rights movement.

* Sojourner's thought provoking speech resonates even today. Her courage helped to empower and ignite the spark in future generations of women.

* Fannie Lou Hamer, an ideological descendant of the suffrage movement became known as the lady in the civil rights movement that was ``sick and tired of being sick and tired.''

* Shirley Chisholm was the daughter of Caribbean immigrants. She was the first black woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress, (a beneficiary of a voting rights district). And the first black woman candidate for President of the United States. Shirley Chisholm was another descendant of the suffrage movement.

* And, Mr. Speaker, thanks to the bravery, perseverance and determination of women such as Sojourner Truth, Fannie Lou Hamer and Shirley Chisholm--women on whose shoulders I stand--Here I Stand--elected in the 110th Congress and representing a voting rights district.

* If Americans are honest, the list of individuals that have benefitted from the blood, sweat and tears of the women suffragists would fill volumes.

* It is my hope that all suffragists, in particular those of color such as Sojourner Truth and Fannie Lou Hamer whose contributions have historically been sidelined, are recognized for the vital role that they played in giving all women the right to vote in the United States.

* I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisles to join me in voting in the affirmative for this important resolution.

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