Gather round children, it’s time for a history lesson.
Susan Brownell Anthony is a prominent figure in the women’s suffrage movement. In 1852, she and lifelong coworker and friend Elizabeth Cady Stanton founded the New York Women’s State Temperance Society. They petitioned for the abolishment of slavery and in 1866 they turned their attention to founding the American Equal Rights Association. The duo campaigned for equal rights for both women and African Americans and together, published a women’s rights newspaper called The Revolution.
They were two serious badasses.
Having dedicated her entire life to the equal rights and treatment of women, Anthony died in 1906, 14 years before women were permitted to vote in The United States.
Today, as Hillary Clinton runs for president, women are visiting Anthony’s grave in Rochester, New York, and placing “I Voted” stickers on her headstone. The small act is a massive statement of praise and gratitude.
“Visiting Susan B. Anthony’s gravesite has become an Election Day rite of passage for many citizens,” Mayor Lovely Warren said in a news release.
“With this year’s historically significant election, it seems right to extend that opportunity until the polls close.”
“I can imagine she would have wanted to be part of the significant history this year’s election holds for women,” Warren said. “It’s only proper that we invited Ms. Anthony to be a part of this important moment.”
@FFRF @AndrewLSeidel The struggle goes on for good people to prevail. #SusanBAnthony #iVoted pic.twitter.com/QKyezqGlhG
— Zippyman818 (@zippyman818) November 7, 2016
#ImVotingBecause it’s my responsibility as an American and because women fought for this right. #SusanBAnthony #19thamendment
— Vonda (@VondaLEverett) November 8, 2016
Now is the time to put the busy fingers and loud mouthes to rest and actually do something #ImVotingBecause she stood for us #SusanBAnthony
— Lauren Tipton (@LHammer_Tip818) November 8, 2016
Wish I had a pantsuit for tomorrow. I will wear white. #PantSuitTuesday#ImWithHer#SusanBAnthony
— Yvonne A.K. Johnson (@yvonneakjohnson) November 8, 2016