January 12th

On this day in 1912,the Lowell Mills textile workers of Lawrence, Massachusetts began to strike. The "Bread and Roses Strike". The Polish women realized their wages were cut. They stopped the looms and walked out shouting, "Short wage, short wage!". The mill owners had cut all the women and children's wages to reflect the work week (by state law)was cut by 2 hours -56 to 54 work hours. No clean water, poor diets and bad living conditions, and then the Mills held their own dangers besides the long working hours. The average lifespan of a mill worker was age 22. The owners of these mills felt the women and their children did not have the ability to hold out for a successful strike. And the cruel measures the mill owners and police used to shut the strike down worked against them. Instead, there was an outcry of support from the rest of the country and the government. On March 12th the mill owners agreed to the mill workers demands. "Bread! and Roses, too"
Meaning RESPECT.

On this day in 1874, Susan B. Anthony petitioned United States Congress for Suffrage proposal. And on this day in 1915 the Congress rejected the Suffrage proposal.

January 11th

Born this day in 1885, Alice Paul. She was one of the driving forces for American women to gain the right to vote. Ms. Paul was a true suffragette: (a woman who actively campaigns for women to have the right to vote; especially one who takes part in militant protests)
Not many Americans know the full story of women gaining the right to vote in the USA.
We assume Susan B. Anthony and the women of National American Woman Suffrage Association gave many speeches and it just magically happened. The history books are very fuzzy and on exactly what did happened...
Alice Paul and Lucy Burn is what happened. These young women pushed the envelope. Braking with National American Woman Suffrage Association.(this is not belittle the tireless work of NAWSA)
They founded the National Women's Party See, Ms. Paul felt that politely writing letters and attending endless meeting was not fully helping the cause of suffrage for women and she was right!
Parades, lobbying Congress, and then staging protests in front of the White house; the NWP truly raised awareness.
Whenever there is change, there is fear and anger. And President Wilson growing weary of the protests in front of the Whitehouse that had been going on for about 8 months. It was decided that the protesters would be arrested for obstructing traffic in front of the Whitehouse. Fining "The Ladies" they would "nickle and dime" out of this idea of protesting. But, they refused to pay. Not what the Whitehouse expected and the judge had them jailed. IN prison women were striped of their clothing, beaten, denied their rights to a lawyer...the list goes on.
It took time for the public to find out what was happening to these mothers, school teachers, sisters, daughters and wives.
When the story finally got out- there was an out cry. Alice Paul went on a hunger strike.
These are some examples of the actions that lead to the passing of the 19th amendment in 1921.
I encourage everyone to read more about Alice Paul. One of America's great women. There are only two films that protray Women's Suffrage: "Mary Poppins" 1964 and "Iron Jawwed Angels" HBO 2003! The first is a comedic song. And the second follows the life of Alice Paul. Great film, I had the honor of appearing in this film.

January 10th

Today in her-story, Robert Browning began writing to Elizabeth Barrett in 1845; which started one of the literary world's most famous love stories. Elizabeth and Robert fought hard for their relationship. Barrett's father stood in their way,cruelly controlling his daughter, believing her to be mentally and physically weak. Ah, but true love prevailed.
In the end they did married, and so this piece of poetry was written.
"How do I love thee, Let me count the ways.
On this day in 1994, Lorena Bobbitt's trial began for cutting off her husband's penis.
Yes, after suffering another sexual attack, Lorena went to the kitchen for a glass of water...seeing the paring knife something flipped in her mind and she went into the bedroom and cut off half his penis. Fleeing the apartment, she drove away with it in her hand. Realizing this she threw it into a field. Flipping back into reality she called 911 and helped the police locate the missing part which was iced down and successfully re-attached to John Bobbitt. Lorena was found not guilty. They divorced in 1997. Today she is a hair stylist in Virgina

January 9th

Born this day in 1941, Joan Baez. A woman who became the voice of the folk coffee house peace movement of the 1960's and 1970's. If you have not heard any of Baez's music go to youtube and listen. Powerful. Two of my favorites, "Diamonds and Rust" and "Blowing In The Wind". Happy Birthday, Joan Baez and thank you.

Born this day in 1859, one of the great American Suffragist, Carrie Chapman Catt.
Susan B. Anthony selected Catt to succeed her as President of National American Women's Association. (NAWSA) Catt served two terms as president. During her presidency in 1920 the Nineteenth Amendment passed into law. Catt was also the founder of "The League of Women Voters" and "The International Alliance of Women"
Catt spent most of her life traveling throughout the United States, leading campaigns,giving countless speeches and educating women about their rights; Catt lived to see the dream that Anthony and her colleagues only hoped would be the future of Amercian women and all women. The Right to Vote and a voice in this world.

January 8th

On this day in 1925, Governor Pat Neff of Texas, appointed three women to the US c. They were appointed to hear the appeal case involving, The Woodmen of the World, "WOW"- a fraternal association whose membership included all the male lawyers and judges of Texas. This all female Supreme Court adjourned after they reached their decision in May of 1925. After this event in Texas- they elected their the first woman to the House of Representatives!

Born this day in 1867, Emily Greene Balch. An academic, writer and pacifist. Balch received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946, for her work with "Women's International League for Peace and Freedom."