[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 77 (Thursday, May 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1018-E1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF A NATIONAL SUFFRAGISTS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2007

  Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 
105--A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of a National 
Suffragists Day to promote awareness of the importance of the women 
suffragists who worked for the right of women to vote in the United 
States.
  One suffragette in particular comes to mind--Ms. Sojourner Truth. 
Sojourner Truth was an ex-slave, abolitionist and feminist who fought 
for women's rights. In that regard, she delivered her famous ``Ain't I 
A Woman'' speech at the 1851 Women's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio.
  Her speech dispels the perception of women as fragile beings unable 
to hold our own in society. Ms. Truth outlined the work she has done--
planting, plowing and gathering in barns. All without the assistance of 
a man. She then raises the question; Ain't I a woman?
  Sojourner Truth called for the extension of voting rights to all 
women. Her presence at the Convention was an important milestone in the 
women's movement and her speech left an indelible mark on the 
Convention, thus becoming a milestone of the women's rights movement.
  Sojourner's thought provoking speech resonates even today. Her 
courage helped to empower and ignite the spark in future generations of 
women.

[[Page E1019]]

  Fannie Lou Hamer, an ideological descendant of the suffrage movement 
became known as the lady in the civil rights movement that was ``sick 
and tired of being sick and tired.''
  Shirley Chisholm was the daughter of Caribbean immigrants. She was 
the first black woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress, (a 
beneficiary of a voting rights district). And the first black woman 
candidate for President of the United States. Shirley Chisholm was 
another descendant of the suffrage movement.
  And, Mr. Speaker, thanks to the bravery, perseverance and 
determination of women such as Sojourner Truth, Fannie Lou Hamer and 
Shirley Chisholm--women on whose shoulders I stand--Here I Stand--
elected in the 110th Congress and representing a voting rights 
district.
  If Americans are honest, the list of individuals that have benefitted 
from the blood, sweat and tears of the women suffragists would fill 
volumes.
  It is my hope that all suffragists, in particular those of color such 
as Sojourner Truth and Fannie Lou Hamer whose contributions have 
historically been sidelined, are recognized for the vital role that 
they played in giving all women the right to vote in the United States.
  I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisles to join me in voting 
in the affirmative for this important resolution.

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