In 1893, Colorado granted women the right to vote, the first state to do so through a popular vote.
But the battle to secure voting rights for women across the nation, which began decades earlier, would last until 1920. During that time, thousands of activists were subjected to physical and verbal abuse, imprisonment, even forced feedings. Here and abroad, the brave “suffragettes,” as they were known, wore white and donned sashes reading “VOTES FOR WOMEN!”
Finally, on Aug. 26, 1920, the 19th amendment to The U.S. Constitution was signed into law, prohibiting the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.
At the “Votes for Women” event Aug. 26 at Liberty Theatre, you can celebrate women making history with a special screening of the acclaimed film “Suffragette,” a menu of themed cocktails and mocktails and door prizes. This special evening, held on Women’s Equality Day, is a benefit for the Archuleta County Democrats.
“It’s important to honor the suffragettes and their sacrifices,” said Shawna Seed, chair of the Archuleta County Democrats. “But we also recognize that the struggle for women’s equality isn’t over. This event is a celebration and a call to action.”
“Suffragette” (2015) is an acclaimed film based on real-life events and tells the stories of women who were willing to lose everything in their fight for equality. It stars award-winning actresses Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep and Helena Bonham Carter.
The doors will open at 6 p.m. with a cash bar of curated cocktails and social hour, followed by the screening of the feature film and a short documentary at 7 p.m.
Each ticketholder will receive one entry for door prizes, with more available for purchase at the event. Prizes include gift certificates from local restaurants, theater tickets and a special gift basket.
Guests are encouraged to wear white to honor the original suffragettes.
To join a sash-making event prior to the celebration, please email dems.archuleta@gmail.com for details.
Purchase tickets, $25, online at pagosamovies.com, archuletadems.org, or at https://www.simpletix.com/e/suffragette-archuleta-county-democratic-mo-tickets-227448.
>