Gorbea Celebrates 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage in RI

Gorbea Celebrates 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage in RI

Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea hosted a ceremony to recognize the 100th anniversary of Rhode Island’s ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted American women the right to vote.

“The anniversary of the 19th Amendment is a powerful opportunity to engage Rhode Islanders, especially our youth, in important conversations about the complex history of the women’s suffrage movement and how that history relates to their own civic engagement today,” said Gorbea.

Gorbea was joined at the State House Library by female leaders from across Rhode Island in the fields of government, business and community action.

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The Rhode Island General Assembly ratified the 19th Amendment on January 6, 1920.

By August of 1920, 36 states ratified the amendment, ensuring that the right to vote could not be denied based on gender.

Gorbea Introduces Suite of Programs

Gorbea celebrated the anniversary by announcing a suite of programs and activities that will be offered throughout Rhode Island in 2020 to increase civic literacy and engagement.

Among them are new educator resources and a partnership with the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities entitled XIX: Shall Not Be Denied, which was developed to amplify programs, exhibitions, research and performances related to women’s suffrage.