In honor of International Women’s Day and Month, this article highlights Long Island Suffragette and socialite Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, who formed the National Women’s party with Suffragette leader, Alice Paul.
Their cause was for the right of women by law to vote in national and local elections. Without their sacrifice and dedication, we might not have the right to vote. Ms. Vanderbilt Belmont was the party’s president and primary benefactor. She was also known for saying “Pray to god, she will help you.”
In 1917, the group began a vigil with hundreds of flag waiving protestors, displaying huge signs, shouting their message which marked the first time that protestors picketed in front of the White House. It was January 1917 when the group began their vigil that lasted six days a week for six months, despite the weather conditions!!
All the liberties and rights that women have today are a result of the women who came before us. I am so grateful for all the strong women, many of whom we have never heard about when we were taught the “history” of our country. It's time we start to talk about our “herstory”!
Selected excerpt(s), photo and linked article courtesy of Annie Wilkinson of the Long Island Press