Oakwood Cemetery Chapel presents “To Vote,” an online exhibit with events from July 27 - September 30. “To Vote” recognizes Austin's suffragists during the 100th, 55th, and 45th Anniversary of all women gaining the right to vote in America. Many people who worked hard for that right are buried in Austin’s municipal cemeteries.

On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified as part of the U.S. Constitution, granting white women the right to vote in America. Women had been publicly campaigning for political rights in the U.S. since 1848, starting with a women's rights convention at Seneca Falls, New York. The voting rights of Texas women were first formally raised at the Constitutional Convention of 1868-69. 

On August 5, 1965 the Voting Rights Act was signed into U.S. law creating the first opportunity for women of color to vote in America. In 1975, Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan worked with President Ford to ensure the voting rights of Mexican American and Native American people in America. In Texas, generations of women rallied across the state for voting rights that helped them manage households, businesses and properties. Texas was the first southern state to ratify the 19th Amendment because of the activism of these people.

ONLINE EVENTS:

Aug. 8, 2020 at 2 p.m.
To Write: Women in Texas History by Angela Boswell
Online author talk

 Aug. 12, 2020 at 2 p.m.
To Vote: Voting Rights for All or Some?
Online discussion with Dr. Jessica Brannon-Wranosky, Cecilia Gutierrez Venable, and Joy Diaz

About Oakwood Chapel
Through historical tours, exhibits, events and memorial services, the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel provides a place to connect, heal and reflect, that is open to all.