November 30, 2017
Peggy Blowney, Executive Director of Tahoe Arts Project introduced today’s presenter, Rachel Atkins of Living Voices. This performing company combines dynamic solo performances with archival film and sound, turning history into a moving and personal journey and today’s “Hear My Voice” brought to life the reality that women (and men) have been working many years to bring to all the reality that all people, men and women should be treated and respected as equals. Today’s topic “suffrage” by definition means the right to vote in political elections. The women’s suffrage movement was the struggle for the right of women to vote and run for office and is part of the overall women’s rights movement. In the mid-19th century, women in several countries-most notably, the U.S. and Britain-formed organizations to fight for suffrage. Alice Paul and Lucy Burns dedicated their lives to the single cause of securing equal rights for all women. Few individuals have had as much impact on American history as these two women. Their lives symbolize the long struggle for justice in the United States and around the world. Their shared vision was the ordinary notion that women and men should be equal partners in society. The fact that the 19th Amendment wasn’t passed until 1920 should remind ALL of us the importance of our right to vote. The many who dedicated their lives to this basic value didn’t live long enough to reap its rewards. Our votes are only counted because of their work and dedication. Thank you so much Rachel. Your presentation was not only educational but it was inspiring. Living Voices travels all over and if your community is interested in what they have to offer, visit their website at www.livingvoices.org . Thank you also to Tahoe Arts Project for bringing these incredible performances to all of the youth in our community. Your dedication to our kids is greatly appreciated!