LIHU‘E — Fallon Mann attended the anniversary of the 19th Amendment to work, but was registered to vote in time for the General Election by Janice Bond, Tuesday at the Kaua‘i Society of Artists gallery in the Kukui Grove Center.
“I was able to get four or five people signed up,” Bond said. “There are things that make people need to re-register, and by having the table here, they don’t need to go through the bother. Fallon was supposed to be working here, but could take the time to register.”
The KSA group, led by RoseAnne Jones, hosted several women groups, including the American Association of University Women Kaua‘i, the Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i, the Mokihana Club, the YWCA of Kaua‘i, and the Zonta Clubs of Kaua‘i and Hanalei to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote.
“The Women’s right to vote was not automatic, and was strongly opposed by many men, and paradoxically, by many women,” states a handout at the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i from the Professional Business Women of California. “Along with the debate over the right to vote came violence and abuse. Though it took many years, advocates persevered and women’s right to vote was finally part of our Constitution.”
A historical timeline of women of leadership and courage during the struggle to achieve the vote for women set up by the AAUW Kaua‘i.
“Do you realize that Sacajawea was a central figure in the fight for the vote?” said Dr. Kani Blackwell who portrayed the Native American in regalia. She is one of the characters on the video produced by neighboring Elliot Lucas of the Kaua‘i Film Academy who is activated by a QR code prominently posted around the gallery.
Gov. David Ige, through remarks made by his Kaua‘i liason Carrice Gardner, expanded the celebration to include prominent women of Hawai‘i.
“In 1920, Hawai‘i was not yet a state and therefore could not vote on the 19th Amendment, yet ratification enfranchised Hawaiian women along with their mainland sisters,” Gardner said. “Queen Lili‘uokalani of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i was a powerful symbol of women’s ability to govern and participate in civic life. The State of Hawai‘i is proud to honor the achievements of all women, past and present, who have been steadfast in support of equal rights and full citizenship.”
This theme is further carried by the portrayal of Mabel Wilcox by Terry Gately, president of the Mokihana Club, in the video.
The art show featuring the 19th Amendment women of leadership and courage is joined by a curated art show honoring outstanding artwork resonating with the theme created by Kaua‘i artists.
The exhibit continues through Aug. 23 from noon until 4 p.m. at the KSA gallery in the Kukui Grove Center.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
Source: The Garden Island