Press Release

RSVP: Governor Jared Polis Leads Colorado Women’s Equality Day Commemoration

On Capitol Steps, Women’s Equality Day Commemoration Kicks Off Colorado Women’s Vote Centennial

DENVER, Colo. (AUGUST 13, 2019)—History Colorado is now accepting media RSVPs for the Colorado Women's Equality Day Commemoration.

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WHO: An influential group of Colorado government officials and bold women leaders.

• Colorado Governor Jared Polis

Members of the Colorado Women’s Vote Centennial Commission, including:
• Polly Baca, the first Latina elected to the Colorado State Senate and the first Latina to receive a major party nomination for U.S. Congress
• Lauren Casteel, President and CEO, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado
• Cathey M. Finlon, Chair, History Colorado Board of Directors

WHAT: The Colorado Women’s Equality Day Commemoration with speeches, media Q&A, and interviews.

Held annually on August 26, Women’s Equality Day marks the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits states and the federal government from denying US citizens the right to vote on the basis of sex.

Supported by History Colorado—the state agency tasked with creating a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past—the event launches the Women’s Vote Centennial: a full year of programming (headlined by a major speaker series to be announced at the event), community engagement, and partnerships in all 64 Colorado counties. History Colorado leads this inclusive, historic opportunity for all Coloradans to participate, join grassroots efforts, and honor the bold individuals who fought for female voting rights. Its online home is COwomenscentennial.org.

Prior to remarks on the Capitol steps, community partners and the Women’s Vote Centennial Commission will participate in a procession from the Center for Colorado Women’s History (1310 Bannock St.) to the Colorado State Capitol.

WHERE: Colorado State Capitol, steps of the West entrance, 200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver

WHEN: Women’s Equality Day— Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, 10–11 a.m. (procession 9:20–10)

WHY: The fight for women’s voting rights changed the course of history—and continues to inspire social, economic, political, and cultural advancements today.

In 1893, Colorado became the first state in the country to outlaw, via state referendum, denying citizens the right to vote based on their sex. More than 25 years later, the Nineteenth Amendment—signed into law on August 26, 1920—extended this same prohibition nationwide. In anticipation of the centennial of this historic measure, former Governor John Hickenlooper signed an executive order creating the Women’s Vote Centennial Commission. It is charged with educating multi-generational audiences through outreach in all 64 Colorado counties that illuminates the contributions of women in Colorado’s history, calls attention to Colorado’s important role in the national movement for the women’s vote, and inspires new action and research.

CALL TO ACTION: Interested organizations and individuals are invited to join the Women’s Vote Centennial – creating space and events for civic engagement, commemoration, impact, and support.

This collaborative facilitates partnerships between local museums, libraries, clubs, schools, arts organizations, and individuals in communities throughout the state as they plan suffrage-related events. For a calendar with upcoming events, please click here and scroll down. For more information about getting involved, visit COWomensCentennial.org, call 303-620-4933 or email HC_COWomensHistory@state.co.us.

#HerColorado

INFO: Statewide events and initiatives will officially commence on Women’s Equality Day on Aug. 26, 2019, culminating in 2020, with the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment’s adoption. For more information, visit COWomensCentennial.org

MEDIA MATERIALS:
 
News release announcing the Colorado Women’s Vote Centennial Commission
Background information/timelines
Historical photos (including a copy of a Susan B. Anthony letter)
Website for updates on statewide programming
 
INTERVIEWS: Cathey M. Finlon, Chair, Colorado Women’s Vote Centennial Commission, and Jillian Allison, Director, Center for Colorado Women’s History, are available for phone and on-site interviews. All other speakers are available for on-site interviews on Aug. 26. For all requests contact John Eding at 303-866-2670 / john.eding@state.co.us.

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About History Colorado
History Colorado’s mission is to create a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. We serve as the state’s memory, preserving the places, stories and material culture of Colorado through the History Colorado Center and statewide Community Museums, educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections and outreach to Colorado communities. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information.

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Media Contact
John Eding
Manager of Communications and PR
303-866-3670 | john.eding@state.co.us