Making Space: for Women, by Women

The passing of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in August 1920 was a milestone in the history of suffrage for women in America, but it was far from a complete victory. It has required continued advocacy, civic engagement, and political organizing to extend the vote to all women.

The women highlighted in this exhibition demonstrate the diversity of womanhood and particularly the diversity of political womanhood. They are actively making space for women as a collective, rather than some of the original suffragists who were only interested in making space for themselves. These women used their right to vote as leaders in Houston and the broader national community, working for women’s rights, civil rights for people of color, rights for the LGBTQIA community, improved education and health care, and many other issues.

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