Every year on August 26 those who fought in the struggle for a woman’s right to vote are honored. When writing the US Constitution our founding fathers forgot about their mothers, aunts and daughters. It took 144 years (from 1776 to 1920) before women were allowed the same right as their brothers to choose leaders on election day. “Failure is impossible,” said Susan B. Anthony. But she didn’t mention how slow success could be. Susan B. Anthony was amazing — working every waking hour for 50 years so women could vote. Sadly, she died 14 years before it became a reality.
On Thursday, August 27 the San Diego Democratic Club will honor the sacrifices women made during the 72-year struggle that culminated with passage of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution giving women the right to vote in 1920. It will serve as a reminder that the struggle is not over. Panel members; Patty Bellasalma, Attorney and President of California National Organization for Women; Alex Rooker, Female Vice-Chair of the California Democratic Party; and Assemblymember Lori Saldaña, Chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus will discuss the continued fight for women’s rights and the close relationship between feminism, LGBT rights, and the Democratic Party. A display of suffragist memorabilia graciously on loan from the Women’s History Museum will be on display. The event will be held at the Joyce Beers Community Center in the Uptown Shopping District (on Vermont Street north of Cleveland Avenue)
The 2nd Annual Suffrage Parade and Ball will be held on Saturday, August 29th — the parade will begin at 4pm on the west side of Balboa Park before marching across the Laurel Street Bridge. That same evening a dinner and dance a “Journey to the 30s” will be presented in the ballroom of the Balboa Park Club from 6-9pm featuring Sue Palmer’s Motel Swing Orchestra.
