Women’s right to vote commemorated
On July 28, women from all walks of life, including the United States Daughters of 1812, attended a tea at the Governor’s Mansion that began the Arkansas Yellow Rose-Bush project: The Centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment in Arkansas.
According to a news release, on Aug. 27, 2017, Gov. Asa Hutchinson created the Arkansas Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commemoration Committee to lead the state’s remembrance of women receiving the right to vote. The committee works with the people of Arkansas to plan activities, conduct research, and otherwise expand the understanding and appreciation of the significance of women’s suffrage in Arkansas.
Over 200 women representing groups and organizations from around the state, including Colonial Dames of America, Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames 17th Century, New England Women and Dames of the Court of Honor, were treated to the high tea, hosted by the Governor and First Lady Susan Hutchinson. According to the release, after the tea, the first lady, with assistance from Girl Scouts, planted a ceremonial yellow rose bush in the rose garden.
The Committee’s plan is to plant a commemorative yellow rose bush in each county in Arkansas over the next year. Girl Scouts across the state will be partnering with the committee to ensure that a rose bush is planted in every county. The bushes will be planted at public sites, such as court houses, public libraries and city halls.
According to the release, the passing of the 19th Amendment was a long, hard struggle beginning in 1848 when a convention of women, held in Seneca Falls, N.Y., met to discuss the social, civil, and religious condition and rights of woman. Some women and men both were against women voting believing it would destroy the family.
The 19th Amendment became law on Aug. 26, 1920 and states, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
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