How lucky to live at a time and in a place where I can vote for policy leaders that protect my rights and beliefs. Attending a reception in Olympia reminded me that this did not happen by accident and should not be taken for granted.
100 years ago women in Washington State were given the right to vote, changing the face of politics and business forever. "Moving Forward, Looking Back, Washington's First Women In Government," an exhibition commemorating the centennial of women's suffrage and saluting the pioneers who helped make political history, opened yesterday at the State Capitol Legislative Building.
Thirteen women are recognized, including my great-great grandmother, Belle Reeves, the first woman Secretary of State, a pioneer from Ohio who knew how to protect her home with a rifle, co-founded with her husband the Ellensburg, Leavenworth and Wenatchee newspapers, and was one of only five Democrats in the House when she was a legislator prior to becoming Secretary. I'm humbled by these women's accomplishments and those of women around that world that continue the fight for these same rights in the face of bigotry, violence and imprisonment.
This free exhibit is the work of publicly funded Washington Heritage Center. Its mission is to inspire civic responsibility and engagement in people of all ages by illustrating through innovative exhibits and interactive education how citizen involvement impacts the community, state and nation. Please consider a donation.
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