HONORING HERSTORY

Area residents rally in honor of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, women’s suffrage

Members of the group Motor City Suffragists gathered at the corner of 11 Mile and Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak — holding “Vote” signs and wearing black masks with lace trim in memory of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Kathi Moore of Birmingham, founder of Motor City Suffragists, said she organized the rally to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment and women’s constitutional right to vote. They rallied for three hours on Saturdaymorning, and Moore said hundreds of people honked, waved, smiled and gave thumbs up signs.

“The anniversary of the suffrage movement reminds us that, not that long ago, women and people of color did not have the right to vote. People fought for us to have this right,” she said. “At a time when our country seems challenged by divisiveness, economic collapse and an unprecedented pandemic, we still hold the power to vote. We should exercise that power on behalf of thosewho fought for our right to

do so.”

She said the death of Ginsburg on Sept. 18 strengthened the group’s desire to encourage others to be part of the election process and raise awareness that every voice matters.

Mary Watkins, one of the members of the Motor City Suffragists, made masks that resembled Ginsburg’s robe and collar for everyone who attended the rally. Since March, she has made about 1,500 masks which she’s donated to community members who needed them.

“RBG was such a treasure. Back in the 1970s, when I was having children and raising them, she was already promoting women’s rights, and (her work) helped make it so we didn’t have to wait for our husbands to let us open our own checking account,” said the Waterford resident. “She brought everything into focus that I wanted to teach mykids. Shewas the mother everybody would have wanted to come home to.”

Moore’s son, Jonah, said he is proud of his mom for organizing the peaceful demonstration and promoting democracy.

“I came out to stick up for the disenfranchised and those who feel alienated,” he said.

PHOTOS BY MONICA DRAKE— THE OAKLAND PRESS Kathi Moore of Birmingham organized a rally off Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, encouraging people to vote in this year’s election.

Mary Watkins, left, and Kathi Moore wore their RBG masks during the peaceful demonstration.