Honoring Susan B. Anthony

Champion of Women’s Suffrage

The next woman I chose to highlight is the reason I’m such an advocate for the importance of voting. Susan B. Anthony was a pioneering advocate for women’s rights whose tireless efforts paved the way for generations to come. One day, before I leave this earth, I want to put an “I voted” sticker on her gravestone.

Susan B. Anthony was born a Quaker

Susan Brownell Anthony was born on February 15, 1820, in Adams, Massachusetts, into a Quaker family committed to social justice and equality. From an early age, she was steeped in the values of activism and reform, laying the foundation for her lifelong dedication to the fight for women’s suffrage.

Anthony’s journey into activism began in earnest in the mid-19th century when she became involved in the temperance movement, advocating for the abolition of alcohol. However, it was her fervent belief in women’s rights that would become her defining cause. Alongside fellow suffragists such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Anthony embarked on a relentless campaign to secure the vote for women.

The threats did not deter Susan B. Anthony

The road to women’s suffrage was fraught with challenges, and Anthony faced fierce opposition every step of the way. She endured ridicule, scorn, and even physical violence as she crisscrossed the country, delivering impassioned speeches and rallying support for the cause. Despite the obstacles, Anthony remained undeterred, her resolve unshakable in the face of adversity.
One of the most iconic moments in Anthony’s activism came in 1872 when she boldly cast a ballot in the presidential election, flouting laws that denied women the right to vote. Arrested and tried for her actions, Anthony famously declared, “I shall never pay a dollar of your unjust penalty,” cementing her status as a symbol of resistance and defiance.

The Nineteenth Amendment gave women the right to vote

While Anthony did not live to see the realization of her dream of women’s suffrage, her efforts laid the groundwork for its eventual triumph. The Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote, was ratified in 1920, fourteen years after Anthony’s death. Her tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to equality paved the way for this historic achievement, forever altering the political landscape of the nation.
Susan B. Anthony’s legacy extends far beyond the realm of politics. In addition to her work for women’s suffrage, she was a staunch advocate for abolition, labor rights, and education reform. Her multifaceted activism embodied the spirit of intersectionality, recognizing the interconnectedness of social justice causes and the importance of solidarity in the fight for equality.
What a powerhouse of a woman. Can you imagine being born into a world where you were basically the property of your family, to leading the charge that gave the women the right to vote? I hope you found Susan B. Anthony’s story as amazing as I did. 

Don’t forget to check out the amazing woman I celebrated yesterday