Abilene Public Library will host “Fighting for Equality: Women’s Suffrage in Kansas,” a presentation and discussion by Sarah Bell on Saturday, June 10th at 11 am. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
Early Kansas history is known for its progressive stance on many issues and voting rights for women was no exception. In 1867, Kansas was the first state to attempt full voting rights for women. So why did it take 50 long years to make it a reality? Despite numerous advancements and several more firsts, it was not an easy or a quick undertaking. It also didn’t include the voices of all women. White middle-class women were credited with the success of the equality movement, while their allies of color most often faced discrimination and marginalization. This talk chronicles women’s suffrage in Kansas, highlighting events, leaders, and organizations key to the passage of the 1912 voting rights amendment to the state’s constitution.
Sarah Bell is the development director for the Watkins Museum of History. She holds a PhD in history from the University of Kansas.
“Fighting for Equality: Women’s Suffrage in Kansas” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau and “21st Century Civics,” a collection of resources that invite Kansans to participate in community discussions and learn more about the history of American democracy and the shared responsibilities of citizenship. “21st Century Civics” is made possible with support from “A More Perfect Union: America at 250,” an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.