Sims Library will host a panel discussion and exhibit opening for “Determined
to Rise: The Women’s Suffrage Movement in Louisiana,” on Monday, June 28, at 3 pm
on the third floor of the library. The popular traveling exhibit commemorates the
challenges and triumphs of the women's suffrage movement on the 100th anniversary
of ratification of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote. The exhibit
and discussion are free and open to the public.
The exhibit features eight panels focused on Louisiana suffragists, the African-American
woman’s experience with women’s suffrage, a timeline of significant events, laws pertaining
to women’s rights after gaining the vote, and federal and Louisiana female politicians
who have made their mark on history.
Members of the Centennial Women's Suffrage Project team will lead the discussion,
including Dr. Carol Madere (Communication and Media Studies), Dr. Elizabeth Hornsby
(Communication and Media Studies), and Dr. Sam Cavell (History and Political Science).
“The panelists will discuss Louisiana’s role in the suffrage movement, especially
how it began, the women who advocated for it, and the societal forces that sought
to defeat it in Louisiana,” said Angela Dunnington, team member and librarian.
“After a yearlong delay, we are thrilled to welcome the Centennial Women's Suffrage
team as they tell this important story from Louisiana history,” said Janie Branham,
Interim Director of Sims Library.
The exhibit was developed by the Centennial Women's Suffrage Project team at
Southeastern Louisiana University and with grant support from the Louisiana Endowment
for the Humanities Rebirth grant program. “Determined to Rise” will be on display
at Sims Memorial Library until August 31.
The Centennial Women’s Suffrage Project launched at Southeastern Louisiana University
in 2019. The team partnered with the National Women’s History Museum, Preserve Louisiana,
Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, and the Library of Congress Teaching with
Primary Sources regional program. The project leaders have engaged in scholarly discourse
through presentations, panel discussions, a one-day conference, a virtual institute
for K-12 educators, and a traveling exhibit.
“Our future plan is to look at funding a documentary on Louisiana suffragists,”
said Angela Dunnington. “We want to tell the Louisiana story and air that documentary
on local television channels.”
Monday, June 21, 2021 8:23:19 AM CDT
