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National Panhellenic Conference Statement on Centennial Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

By August 26, 2020Statement

INDIANAPOLIS— Carole Jones, chairman of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), today issued the following statement in recognition of the centennial celebration of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote:

“Aug. 26, 2020, marks exactly 100 years since the declaration of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The women’s suffrage movement began in 1848 and for the next 72 years, women fought diligently to secure the right to vote. It is these women – including Panhellenic sorority women Carrie Chapman Catt, Alice Duer Miller, Reverend Doctor Anna Howard Shaw, among others – we have to thank for expanding women’s rights and creating opportunities for future generations.

“At the same time, we also recognize that the 19th Amendment didn’t create equality for all women. Over the last 100 years women have continued to challenge privilege granted to others based on ethnicity, race, identity and sexuality. This centennial is a time to celebrate women’s advancement while reflecting on all the work still to be done.

“On behalf of National Panhellenic Conference member organizations, volunteers and staff, we are proud to celebrate the centennial of the 19th Amendment, recognizing the leadership of past women and the potential of future leaders in advancing a more equal future for all women.”

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