In commemoration of the 84thanniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, prominent women of the communityand students of Southern University gathered to support the movement andacknowledge their right to vote.
”I am very proud of our sisters, friends and women,” saidCynthia Tarver, first lady of Southern University.
On Aug. 26, 1920, the 19th Amendmentof the United States Constitution was passed, granting women the right to vote.
The passing of this amendment wasmade possible through hard work and dedication of women’s rights activist.
“It is very important that you goout and vote and remember the sacrifices that people made for us,” said VerniceBrown, a senior sociology major from New Orleans.
Dorothy Spikes, president emeritusof the Southern University System was the guest speaker and highlighted womenwho made a difference in this movement, such as Fannie Mae Hammer, SojournerTruth, Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman.
“Black History is a part of AmericanHistory,” Spikes said.
Spikes received the first “Women ofValor” award awarded by the Southern University Underground RailroadEducational and Cultural Programs.
Spikes said the proudest moment inher life was when students from SU and other universities went to the poles inhuge numbers to vote against David Duke in his infamous bit for the Louisianagovernor’s seat against Edwin Edwards.
“You better line up to vote again inlarge numbers, because the issues are many and they are great,” Spikes said.
“Stand up be proud and be counted,lead your people through freedom.”
According to Spikes, knowing thatyou have the right to vote and actually voting is different, but it issomething that every eligible voter must know.
“Everyone must decide that oneperson does make a difference,” Spikes said. “My vote — my one vote — canchange the outcome of the election.”
