United States suffragists persisted for over 70 years and four generations organizing referenda, circulating countless petitions, and giving speeches, even though they were frequently harassed and ridiculed just because they wanted the right to vote. Finally on August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment guaranteeing universal suffrage became the law of the land.

In order to honor the women and men who kept up the non-violent fight for a woman’s right to vote, Congress passed a resolution declaring August 26 as Equality Day. Proposed by Rep. Bella Abzug in 1971, it was passed in 1973 and since then presidents have issued a proclamation annually in commemoration of that day in 1920.

GGRWHC will honor Equality Day and Grand Rapids activists near the food trucks on the GRAM patio where we will have photos and handouts about the local movement.