(WASHINGTON) – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus and Vice-Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus announced she introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring the Woman Suffrage Procession of 1913. 

The procession was a diverse movement of women suffragists who marched on Washington D.C. before the inauguration of President Woodrow Wilson. The suffragists faced violence and verbal harassment during the procession and were not deterred. The Woman Suffrage Procession and the suffragists who participated in the march helped nationalize the Women’s Suffrage Movement and laid the groundwork for the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment, reinforcing the importance of federal voting rights legislation. 

Co-leading introduction of the resolution with Congresswoman Williams are: Representatives Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-Del), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Andy Kim (NJ-03), and Joe Neguse (CO-02). The resolution is co-sponsored by 53 members of the House of Representatives. 

The resolution reads in part: 

“Whereas it is imperative to recognize the intersectional nature of the struggle for voting rights, acknowledging that women of color, particularly Black women, faced not only sexism, but also racism during the Woman Suffrage Procession and continue to face systemic barriers to political participation; and

“Whereas the ongoing fight for voting rights echoes the struggles of the suffragists who bravely marched in 1913, reminding us of the importance of defending and expanding democracy for all Americans: Now, therefore, be it

“Resolved, That the House of Representatives—commemorates the historic Woman Suffrage Procession of 1913 and honors the courageous suffragists who fought tirelessly for women’s right to vote;

“[R]ecognizes the enduring significance of the Women’s Suffrage Movement in advancing gender equality and political participation in the United States;

“[R]eaffirms its commitment to upholding and protecting voting rights for all Americans, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status; condemns all forms of voter suppression and discrimination that undermine the integrity of our democracy and disenfranchise marginalized communities;

“[C]alls for renewed efforts to dismantle systemic barriers to voting and ensure equitable access to the ballot box for every citizen; and

“[P]ledges to continue working toward a more inclusive and representative democracy that reflects all Americans’ voices and experiences.”

The resolution is endorsed by the Democratic Women’s Caucus and the League of Women Voters. 

Jessica Jones Capparell, Director of Government Affairs at the League of Women Voters of the United States said:

“Women’s rights and voting rights go hand in hand. The right to vote is a critical principle of our democracy that women have fought to uphold, ensuring their voices are heard and interests are represented in our country. The League is proud to endorse this resolution that honors the legacy of the women who fought tirelessly for women’s right to vote.”

Click here for the full text of the resolution honoring the Woman Suffrage Procession of 1913. 

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov