On August 26, 1920, after three generations of an unrelenting, brilliant, courageous, political campaign, women in the United States won the right to vote. To honor and commemorate the historic date of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, Congresswoman Bella Abzug introduced a Congressional Resolution to ensure that this date would be commemorated with the designation of Women’s Equality Day, which is celebrated on August 26th each year.

The Mendocino Women’s Political Coalition celebrates the 101st Anniversary of Women Getting the Vote on August 21, 2021. We will use the Kelley House lawn from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on August 21, 2021 to celebrate the passage of the 19th amendment, which gave American women the right to vote, with music by the Coast Women’s Choir, oral histories, poetry and speeches. This is a proud tradition which we have enacted in 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. We will be asking the League of Women Voters and the Soroptimists to join us in this celebration. 

We women living here today are the products of the suffragists who fought for us, for our right to vote, and for us to be able to vote to try to shape the way we want to live. Now we are celebrating the 101st Anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that was ratified on August 26, 1920. The Mendocino Women’s Political Coalition (MWPC) and the City of Ukiah have created two Centennial displays for the community to view beginning August 17th and will continue for two weeks to encourage increased awareness, education, and celebration. Take note of the banner across State Street at Clay Street and the unique display in the front of the Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, which will have exterior lighting of purple, gold, and white, the colors of the suffragists. Everyone is encouraged to visit the Civic Center including families and children. Comments on the displays are encouraged:

katarzyna@pacific.net or mdavison@cityofukiah.com.