100 QUOTES from 1920 to 2020

In the early decades of the United States government, women were denied the right to vote and participate in the government.  Beginning in the mid-19th century, several generations of woman suffrage supporters lectured, wrote, marched, lobbied, and practiced civil disobedience to achieve equality as citizens. Their primary goal was to guarantee women the right to vote.

Throughout the country, small groups of women met to discuss their lack of participation in this new democracy. Their ideas began to form an agenda.  In 1848, Elizabeth Cody Stanton and Lucretia Mott launched this movement on a national level by forming the Seneca Falls Convention. They invited small groups of bright, strong, determined women to forge a plan to get the right to vote for all women.

After decades of struggle, led by articulate and visionary women such as Susan B. Anthony, this small, well-organized group gained the right to vote with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, on August 18th, 1920. It is important to note that African American men got the vote in 1870, 50 years before women.  The 15th Amendment granted African American men the right to vote, but exercising that right became another challenge.

I celebrate these patriotic women and their achievement on the 100th year anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment – giving all women the right to vote.

#1We shall someday be heeded, and when we shall have our amendment to the Constitution of the United States, everybody will think it was always so, just exactly as many young people believe that all the privileges, all the freedom, all the enjoyments which woman now possesses always were hers. They have no idea of how every single inch of ground that she stands upon today has been gained by the hard work of some little handful of women of the past.

Susan B. Anthony (1820 – 1906) – Activist for Women’s Rights

Reflection Question: What is a right or privilege I currently have that could potentially be taken away?

#2Whenever women gather together

Failure is impossible.”       

Susan B. Anthony (1820 – 1906) – Activist for Women’s Rights

Reflection Question: Recall a time when you, and other women in your family or community, came together to prevent a failure.

#3 “We may encounter many defeats

But we must not be defeated.”

Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014) Award-winning poet, writer, actress and civil rights leader.

Reflection Question: What things in your life have defeated you? Has there been a time in your life when you found extra strength and determination to keep going, and not be defeated? Think about what was different between these two situations.

#4 As women, we must stand up for ourselves . . .

For each other . . .

For justice for all.”

Michelle Obama (1964 – present) – First Lady of the United States, Barack Obama, 44th

Reflection Question: How do you stand up for yourself?  For your children or other children? Do you believe in “justice for all?” Why or why not?

#5 Forget conventionalisms; 

forget what the world thinks of you 

stepping out of your place;

think your best thoughts, 

speak your best words, work your best works,

looking to your own conscience for approval.”

Susan B. Anthony (1820 – 1906) – Activist for Women’s Rights

Reflection Questions: What are the fears you have about being judged by others? How does this fear, or doubt, cause you to hold back? What one thing about yourself can you express and celebrate?

#6 “When the true history

of the antislavery cause shall be written,

 women will occupy a large space

 in its ages,

for the cause of the slave has been peculiarly

woman’s cause.”

Frederick Douglass (1818 –1895) – Social Reformer, Abolitionist, Orator and Statesman

Reflection Questions: Were you aware that women worked with Frederick Douglass and other abolitionists to help get black men in America the right to vote? This was the 15th Amendment to the Constitution; to get the vote, women waited 50 more years until the 19th Amendment was ratified. What were the commonalities between each group?

#7 Men, their rights, and nothing more;

women, their rights, and nothing less.”

Susan B. Anthony (1820 – 1906) – Activist for Women’s Rights

Reflection Questions: What are the rights that you believe should be given equally to men and women?  Can you think of any rights that don’t need to be equally given?

#8 “Hold fast to dreams,

for if dreams die,

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.”

Langston Hughes (1902 – 1967) – Poet and writer during the Harlem Renaissance

Reflection Questions: Do you have a dream?  See it in your mind’s eye. What can you do to realize your dream?

#9 “Life is a hard battle anyway.

If we laugh and sing a little 

as we fight the good fight of freedom,

it makes it all go easier. 

I will not allow my life’s light to be determined

by the darkness around me.”

Sojourner Truth (1797 – 1883) – African American abolitionist & Women’s Rights Activist

Reflection Question: What are the joyful things you do to lift the darkness from your life; what do you do to brighten your community?

#10 I declare to you that woman must not depend 

upon the protection of man 

but must be taught to protect herself,

and there I take my stand.”

Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815 – 1902) – Women’s Activist

Reflection Questions: Women: What have you faced, handled or accomplished without the help of a man? Men: What things have you accomplished with the help of women and girls? Both: What are the benefits of both men and women working together?

#11 “The most common way people give up their power,

is by thinking they don’t have any.”

Alice Walker (1944 – present) – Novelist, (The Color Purple), Short Story Writer, Social Activist

Reflection Questions: In what areas of your life do you feel powerful? In what areas do you lack power?

#12 “If women want rights more than they got,

Why don’t they just take them,

And not be talking about it.”

Sojourner Truth (1797 – 1883) African American abolitionist & Women’s Rights Activist

Reflection Questions: Is there something in your own life that you complain about rather than handle?  What is it?  What would you like to see change?  What can you do about it? What are you willing to do about it?

#13 Human rights are women’s rights, 

And 

women’s rights are human rights.”

Hillary Clinton (1947 – present) First Lady of the United States, Bill Clinton, 42nd

Reflection Questions: What does this statement mean to you?

#14 “Justice cannot be for one side alone,

but must be for both.”

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 – 1962) First Lady of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd

Reflection Questions: What do you think happens when there is a conflict, and people think that one side must win and the other side must lose? Can you think of a better scenario, or way that people can agree to settle an argument, and feel that it was fair?

#15 I look for the day… 

when the only criterion of excellence or position 

shall be the ability and character of the individual; 

and this time will come.”

Susan B. Anthony (1820 – 1906) – Activist for Women’s Rights

Reflection Questions: What character traits can you name that determine excellence? Which of these traits do you have?  Which ones would you like to strengthen?

#16 Our ‘pathway’ is straight to the ballot box,

with no variableness nor shadow of turning.”

Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815 – 1902) Women’s Activist

Reflection Questions: Is there a lime in your life when you knew you must go straight ahead, without a “shadow of turning” in order to accomplish your task or goal?  What was it you felt so strongly must be accomplished?  Did you accomplish it?

#17 “Everybody counts in applying democracy.

And there will never be a true democracy

until 

every responsible and law-abiding adult in it, 

without regard to race, sex, color or creed

has his or her own inalienable  

and unpurchaseable voice in government.”

Carrie Chapman Catt (1859 – 1947) – Women’s Activist

Reflection Questions: Do you keep current with the events of our nation? What are the key values that you think define a democracy?  Do you vote? If not, would you consider registering to vote and casting a ballot in the next election?

#18 If particular care and attention are not paid to the ladies, 

we are determined to foment a rebellion, 

and will not hold ourselves bound 

by any laws in which 

we have no voice or representation.”

Abigail Adams (1744 – 1818) – First Lady of the United States, John Adams, 2nd

Reflection Questions:  In your own words, what is the First Lady, Abigail Adams, telling her husband and the members of Congress?

#19 We ask justice, we ask equality, 

we ask that all the civil and political rights 

that belong to citizens of the United States, 

be guaranteed to us and our daughters forever.”

Susan B. Anthony (1820 – 1906) – activist for Women’s Rights

Reflection Questions: What do you think your grandmothers and mother sacrificed, or fought for, to protect and give you a better life? What would you like give to your children or other children in your community?

#20 I want to be remembered

As someone who used herself

And anything she could touch

To work for justice and freedom . . .

I want to be remembered

as one who tried.”

Dorothy Heydt (1912 — 2010) -a prominent leader in both Civil Rights and Women’s Rights, president of the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years

Reflection Questions: What are the key issues in both Women’s Rights and Civil Rights?

#21 “I feel safe in the midst of my enemies,

for the truth is all powerful and will prevail.”

Sojourner Truth (1797 – 1883) – African American Abolitionist & Women’s Rights Activist

Reflection Questions:  Do you have people around you who make you feel unsafe? What do you do to remain balanced and stable?  What advise do you have for remaining safe in the “midst of my enemies?”

#22 “A wise woman wishes 

to be no one’s enemy;

A wise woman refuses to 

Be anyone’s victim.”

Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014) Award-winning poet, writer, actress and civil rights leader

Reflection Questions: Do you have any enemies?  If so, what can you do to disconnect from their power? Have you ever been a victim?  If so, were you able to escape the situation? If not, what can you do to empower yourself or to leave the situation? No one should have the power to control, threaten, or lesson you!

#23 Every girl, no matter where she lives,

deserves the opportunity to develop the promise inside of her.”

Michelle Obama (1964 – present) – First Lady of the United States, Barack Obama, 44th

Reflection Questions:  Do you agree with this statement?  Why or why not? What changes need to happen for every girl to have opportunities?

#24 “The day will come when men will recognize woman as his peer,

Not only at the fireside, but in councils of the nation.

Then, and not until then, will there be the perfect comradeship,

The ideal union between the sexes

That shall result in the highest development of the race.”

Susan B. Anthony (1820 – 1906) – Activist for Women’s Rights

Reflection Questions: Can men and women have different strengths and qualities, yet still be peers?  Why or why not? Can you think of different types of partnerships where both people are peers, but not doing the same job?

#25 If you don’t accept

You don’t set high goals,

You don’t branch out,

You don’t try —  you don’t take the risk.”

Rosalynn Carter (1927 – present) First Lady of the United States, Jimmy Carter, 39th

Reflection Questions: Is there a time in your life when you thought you would fail – and, you did? Is there a time in your life when you achieved a goal because you believed in yourself?  What is the difference?

#26 “I know and do what is right

Better than many big men who read.”

Sojourner Truth (1797 – 1883) – African American abolitionist & Women’s Rights activist

Reflection Questions: How do people learn the difference between right and wrong? What are the factors that went into helping you know the difference between right and wrong?  

#27 “At my age, in this still hierarchical time, 

People often ask me if I’m ‘passing the torch.” 

I explain that I’m keeping my torch, thank you very much – 

And I’m using it to light the torches of others.

Because only if each of us has a torch

Will there be enough light.” 

Gloria Steinem (1934 – present) Social activist, writer, editor and lecturer; an outspoken champion of women’s rights

Reflection Questions: How can you expand on this thought?  Have you ever held a torch for others to see things more clearly? Has anyone ever held a torch for you to see things more clearly?

#28 It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens:

nor yet we, the male citizens: but we, the whole people,

who formed the Union . . . Men, their rights and nothing more;

women, their rights and nothing less.”

Susan B. Anthony (1820 – 1906) – activist for Women’s Rights

Reflection Questions: Using simple language, elaborate on the last two lines of this quote.  Do you agree or disagree? Give some reasons why you take the position you do?

#29 No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens.”

Michelle Obama (1964 – present) – First Lady of the United States, Barack Obama – 44th 

Reflection Questions: Imagine our country and how it would function if everyone had the education, support and opportunities to develop their potential.  What would our society look like if everyone was fully engaged and participating?

#30 If we mean to have heroes, statesmen and philosophers,

we should have learned women.”

Abigail Adams (1744 – 1818) First Lady of the United States, John Adams – 2nd

Reflection Questions:  What is the value of having women join the ranks of men as heroes, statesmen and philosophers?  What are the disadvantages?

#31 No one can dub you with dignity,

That’s yours to claim.”

                                                                  Odetta Holmes, American folk singer

Reflection Questions: What does this quote mean?

#32 If we mean to have heroes, statesmen and philosophers,

we should have learned women.”

                            Abigail Adams, First Lady of the United States, John Adams (1744 – 1818)

Reflection Questions:  What is the value of having women join the ranks of men as heroes, statesmen and philosophers?  What are the disadvantages?

#33 Strong men, men who are truly role models,

Don’t need to put down women

To make themselves feel powerful.”

Michelle Obama (1964 – present) – First Lady of the United States, Barack Obama 

Reflection Questions:  Do you know anyone who puts people down, lessens them or is a bully? What character traits do these people have? How can you maintain your dignity and stand up to someone who chooses to hurt or put you dow

#34“Life must be lived

and curiosity kept alive.

One must never, for whatever reason,

Turn his back on life.”

Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1884 – 1962)

Reflection Questions: What is it you are curious about?  Where do you go to find more information about things that perk your interest?

#35 When you come to a roadblock,

Take a detour.”

Barbara Bush, First Lady of the United States, George Bush, (1925 – 2018)

Reflection Questions: Can you think of an example in your own life, or the lives around you, when people were stopped by an action, or an event, that stopped them from a goal? Can you think of an example when a person or a group found a detour that effectively took them around the roadblock?

#36 There shall never be another season of silence

Until women have the same rights

as men have on this green earth.”

Susan B. Anthony – activist for Women’s Rights(1820 – 1906)

Reflection Questions: Is there a time in your life where you felt you had to be silent? Why did you feel it was necessary to remain silent? What would you like to speak up about now?

#37 The battle for the individual rights of women is one of long standing

and none of us should countenance anything which undermines it.” 

Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1884 – 1962)

Reflection Questions: Can you identify the rights that women are given in the 19th Amendment of The Constitution? Are there others in our American society whose rights have been limited? Are you willing to speak up for all American people, regardless of gender, race and beliefs, to have “unalienable rights?”  Why, or why not?

#38 Women, like men, should try to do the impossible.

And when they fail,

their failure should be a challenge to others.”

Amelia Earhart, pilot & aviation pioneer, (1897 – 1937)

Reflection Questions: Is there someone who tried to do the impossible, but still inspired you to do your best to achieve something?  How did their failure inspire you or someone else?

#39 You may shoot me with your words. 

You may cut me with your eyes, 

You may kill me with your hatefulness, 

But still, like air, I’ll Rise.”

Maya Angelou, Award-winning poet, writer, actress and civil rights leader, (1928 – 2014)

Reflection Questions: Who comes to your mind when you think of someone who didn’t react with rage to words meant to lessen them, but rather stood taller and used the anger to accomplish more?  

 #40 Learning is not attained by chance,

It must be sought for with ardor and diligence.”

Abigail Adams – First Lady of the United States, John Adams (1744 – 1818)

Reflection Questions:  In what ways have you become educated? Who were the key people who have believed in you, inspired you, encouraged you, and taught you to think and problem solve?

#41 Energy rightly applied and directed will accomplish anything.”

Nellie Bly, Pioneer Journalist, (1864 – 1922)

Reflection Questions: Have you ever witnessed someone rightly applying their energy to a specific  task and was motivated by a strong will?  If so, what happened?

#42 “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1884 – 1962)

Reflection Questions: What do people do, or not do, to give consent to others trying to lessen them? What things have you done, or not done, to allow people to make you feel inferior?

#43 There is no limit to what 

we, as women,

can accomplish.”

Michelle Obama, (1964 – present) – First Lady of the United States, Barack Obama

Reflection Questions:  Do you think there are limits as to what women can do?  If so, what are they?  Do you have limits on what you think you can and cannot do? Are there any limits you would be willing to release?

#44 If human beings are perceived as potentials rather than problems,

as possessing strengths instead of weaknesses,

as unlimited rather than dull and unresponsive,

then they thrive and grow to their capabilities.”

Barbara Bush, First Lady of the United States, George Bush, (1925 – 2018)

Reflection Questions: Do you know a person, or group,  who became successful in life because they saw their potential rather than their weaknesses? Have you known people who had potential, but didn’t thrive and grow to their capabilities?” What happened to stop them? Is there still hope for them to change?

#45 You cannot change any society unless

you take responsibility for it,

unless you see yourself as belonging to it,

and responsible for changing it.”

Grace Lee Boggs, Activist & writer, (1915 – 2015)

Reflection Questions: Why is it important to change things from being on the inside of the group rather than imposing change from the outside? 

#46 “Women should have equal pay for equal work

And they should be considered equally eligible

to the offices of principal and superintendent,     

  Professor and president.

 So you must insist that qualifications, not sex,

Shall govern appointments and salaries”

Susan B. Anthony – activist for Women’s Rights(1820 – 1906)

Reflection Questions: Have you even been in a job where you received less pay than male colleagues?  If so, how did it feel?  If you were in charge, how would you conduct business and wages?

#47 Probably the most dangerous phrase that anyone could use in the world today    

is that dreadful one:   “But we’ve always done it that way.

Grace Hopper, Mathematician and Scientist, (1906 – 1992)

Reflection Questions: Is there something that you, your family or community continues to do because of tradition and history, even it is no longer in the best interests of yourself, group or community?  If something harmful doesn’t change, how do you justify it? Is the statement, “But, we’ve always done it that way.” Correct in all cases? Some cases? Never?

#48 Every moment is an organizing opportunity,

every person a potential activist,

every minute a chance to change the world.”

Dolores Huerta, Cofounder of the United Farm Workers, (1930 – present)

Reflection Questions: If you had the power to change the world, what one to three things would you like to change for the better? How could you combine your power with others to bring about positive change?

#49 It is not our differences that divide us.  

It is our inability to recognize, accept, 

and celebrate those differences.”

Audre Lorde, Poet,  (1934 – 1992)

Reflection Questions: What are your thoughts on celebrating differences rather than letting them divide us.  What one change in society would you be willing to support?  What belief(s) do you feel keep us divided?  Do you have any remedies for bringing us all together? What are they?

#50 We are all dreamers 

creating the next world,

the next beautiful world 

for ourselves and for our children.”

Yoko Ono, Activist and Artist, (1933 – present)

Reflection Questions: What dream do you have for a better, more loving and inclusive world?  Do you think your dream is possible or impossible?  Why or why not?

#51 As long as women consent

to be unjustly governed,

they will be.”

Emmeline Pankhurst, Suffragette in the United Kingdom,  (1858 – 1928)

Reflection Questions: Have you ever consented to be “unjustly governed.” Why did you not stand up for justice?  Why did you stand up for justice?  Do you think that women are still being unjustly governed?  Why or why not?

#52 Owning who we are is power.

We’ve got to dare to stand out.”

Janet Mock, a transgender rights activist, (1983 – present)

Reflection Questions: Do you agree that “owning who you are is power.”  Why or why not?  Is there a situation in your life right now where you could own more power and make a needed change? Why ideas do you have about this?

#53 I may sometimes be willing to teach for nothing,

but if paid at all,

I shall never do a man’s work

for less than a man’s pay.”

Clara Barton, Founder of the American Red Cross – (1821 – 1912)

Reflection Questions: Why do you think Clara Barton was sometimes willing to teach for nothing, yet at other times she was not?  Do you agree, or disagree with her feelings about this?  Why or why not?

#54 At present, our country needs women’s

idealism and determination,

perhaps more in politics than anywhere else.”

Shirley Chisholm, United States Congress and candidate for President,  (1924 – 2005)

Reflection Questions: How would you describe the meaning of the term, “idealism?” What does the term, “determination” mean to you? Where do you use these qualities in your own life?

#55  It’s a sign of your own worth sometimes

If you are hated by the right people.

Miles Franklin, Australian Writer, active feminist (1879 – 1954)

Reflection Questions: Have you ever felt hated in your life? Who was flowing the hate to you? Why were you being hated? Was the hated justified?  Why or why not? Can you think of an instance where you, or a group, were hated and it made you realize that it made you feel stronger?  Explain.

#56 Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination. 

Never limit others because of your own limited imagination.”

Mae Jemison (1956 – present) first African American female Astronaut

Reflection Questions: Has anyone in your life lessen your imagination, plans or dreams? If so, how did this impact you?  Have you ever limit others imagination, plans or dreams?  If so, why did you think this was needed?

#57 I try to write parts for women that are as complicated and interesting as women actually are.”

Nora Ephron (1941 – 2012) Screenwriter, film director, Playwright & Performer

Reflection Questions: Who are some of the women in your family and friends?  Think about whether they seem more alike or different.  Who is the most interesting of all the women you personally know.  Why?

#58 I had reasoned this out in my mind;

there was one of two things I had a right to,

liberty or death,

if I could not have one, I would have the other.”

Harriet Tubman (1822 – 1913) Born into slavery, American abolitionist & Political activist, 

the Underground Railroad

Reflection Questions: Is there something in your own life that you have felt this strongly about? Or, if not, can you imagine anything that you would feel that you would be willing to die for?  If so, talk, or write, about it.

#59My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.”

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933 – present) 2nd woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court since 1993

Reflection Questions: What was it that your mother said to you that made an impression, either positive or negative? What do you feel her meaning was behind the words?

#60 “We have to build things 

that we want to see accomplished, 

in life and in our country, 

based on our own personal experiences . . . 

to make sure that others . . . 

do not have to suffer the same discrimination.”

Patsy Mink (1927 – 2002) US Senator from Hawaii; 6 consecutive terms in Congress, First woman of an ethnic minority to be elected to the U.S. Congress.

Reflection Questions: Have you ever been discriminated against? If so, what was the cause of the discrimination?  Was it something that you could control or change? If not, what do you imagine it would feel like to be discriminated about something you had no control over?

#61 Making a bold move is the only way

to advance toward the grandest vision

the universe has for you.”

Oprah Winfrey ((1954 – present) Actor, TV Talk Show host, first African American billionaire,  philanthropist

Reflection Questions: Think about someone you know, or another celebrity you are aware of, who has acted boldly to claim power, opportunity or a position of influence.  What traits can you identify in this person?  Do you admire all of these traits?  Why or why not?

#62“I wanted to start a Revolution,

using art to build the sort of society

I myself envisioned.”

Yayoi Kusama ((1920 – Present) Artist & Activist

Reflection Questions: Can you think of any other artists who have used their art form to get people’s attention and cause a revolution? What were they trying to show us through their art?  What were/are the messages they were boldly communicating? If you were an artist who wanted to start a Revolution, which art form would you use and what message would you want to get across?

#63 “Old-fashioned ways 

which no longer apply to changed conditions 

are a snare in which the feet of women 

have always become readily entangled.”

Jane Addams (1860 – 1935) Social Work Pioneer & first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize

Reflection Questions: Can you think of ways that women have been held back because of “old-fashioned ways?  Has this even happened to you or a member of your family?

#64 “The future depends entirely on

what each of us does every day;

a movement is only people moving.”

Gloria Steinem (1934 – Present) Feminist activist of modern times

Reflection Questions: Can you think of something you do every day that makes the world a safer, more humane place?  Can you think of other tings you could do daily that would contribute to a more trusting, peaceful and supportive community?

#65“You can dream big    

and it doesn’t matter what you look like, where you come from.”

Misty Copeland (1982 – Present)Principal Ballet Dancer, American Ballet Theater

Reflection Questions: Do you feel that you have a right to dream big?  Why or why not?  What are the things holding you back from dreaming for a future you want?  What is your dream?  Write it down so you can use it as a guide to your future.  You deserve to be happy and fulfilled!

#66 “Women are not going to be equal outside the home                       

until men are equal in it.”

Gloria Steinem (1934 – Present) Feminist activist of modern times

Reflection Questions: What do you think this statement means?  What does it mean for men to be equal inside the home.  Have you ever seen a situation where men were not equal inside their homes? Have you ever seen a situation where women are not equal outside their homes? Are there some people who are neither safe inside or outside their homes? What is the remedy?

#67 Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.”

Coretta Scott King (1927 – 2006) Civil Rights Activist & wife of Martin Luther King Jr.

Reflection Questions: What does it mean to you, as a woman, to “be the soul of our nation?” What qualities would you bring to the concept of “liberty and justice for all?”

#68 “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.”

Sheryl Sandberg (1969 – Present) American Tech Executive, author and Billionaire

Reflection Questions: What are the qualities you think a leader should have?  Think of one to three leaders – women or men – who possess the qualities that are needed and desirable for a leader in a Democracy? 

#69 I raise up my voice —

not so I can shout

but so that those without a voice can be heard . . .

we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.”

Malala Yousafzai (1997 – Present) Activist, writer & winner of the Nobel Peace Prize

Reflection Questions: Who are the people you know of who do not have a voice?  Of course, this is not referring to a physical voice, but to the ability to speak up and ask for what they need or to speak out about injustices. What, or whom, do you speak up for.  Have you been effective in helping those who are not able to stand up for themselves?

#70 “A feminist is anyone who recognizes the quality and full humanity of women and men.”

Gloria Steinem (1934 – Present) Feminist activist of modern times

Reflection Questions: Do you agree with this statement by Gloria Steinem? Why or why not?  What would you add, or delete from this statement?

#71“I just want to leave a positive memory of setting an example and bringing our youth with us.”

Misty Copeland (1982 – Present)Principal Ballet Dancer, American Ballet Theater

Reflection Questions: What would you most like your legacy to be?  What would you like as your epitaph?  

#72“Struggle is a never ending process.

Freedom is never really won,

you earn it and win it

in every generation.”

Coretta Scott King (1927 – 2006) Civil Rights Activist & wife of Martin Luther King Jr.

Reflection Questions: What does it mean to you, as a woman, to “be the soul of our nation?” What qualities would you bring to the concept of “liberty and justice for all?”

#73 “Go to find common ground;

where you can’t,

you stand your ground.”

Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House

Reflection Questions: What does it mean to “stand your ground?”  Have you ever had a situation where you stood your ground?  If so, what happened when you did this?

#74 “A woman is like a tea bag —

You can’t tell how strong she is

until you put her in hot water.”

Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1884 – 1962)

Reflection Questions: Have you ever had a cup of tea, made with a tea bag.  The longer that you leave the bag in hot water, the more strength seeps into the flavor.  Can you think of any other metaphors about women that are true from your perspective?

#75 “If you don’t like something, change it. 

 If you can’t change it, 

change your attitude.”

Maya Angelou,  Award-winning poet, writer, actress and civil rights leader, (1928 – 2014)

Reflection Questions: Is there something in your life that you don’t like?  What have you done to try and change it?  Is there something in your country that you don’t like?  What are you willing to do to change 

#76 ”As we celebrate the last 95 years 

of progress 

in advancing women’s rights, 

let us rededicate ourselves to the idea 

that our nation is not yet complete: 

there is still work to do

 to secure the blessings of our country 

for every American daughter.”

Barack Obama (1961 – present)44th President of the United States,

Reflection Questions: Do you agree or disagree with this statement?  If you agree that there is still work to be done to strengthen women and human right’s, are you willing and able to help?

#77 “The good we secure for ourselves 

is precarious and uncertain 

until it is secured for all of us 

and incorporated into our common life.” 

Jane Addams (1860 – 1935) Social Work Pioneer & first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize

Reflection Questions: What does justice mean to you?  Where do you see fair justice in our society?  Where do you see an abuse of justice occurring in our society?

#78 “Women are leaders everywhere you look —

from the CEO

who runs a Fortune 500 company

to the housewife who raises her children

and heads her household.

Our country was built by strong women

and we will continue to break down walls

and defy stereotypes.”

Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House (19. – present)

Reflection Questions: All of us have stereotypes of some kind. Can you identify one of your own stereotypes?  The first step in identifying stereotypes is to be honest with oneself; then learn more about people and groups.  As humans, we are more alike than we are different.

#79 “Americans of our own time

minority and majority Americans alike-

need the continued guidance that

the Voting Rights Act provides.

We have come a long way,

but more needs to be done.

Elijah Cummings House of Representatives, Civil Rights Advocate (1951 – 2019)

Reflection Questions: We began with white men voting, then included all men; 50 years later, women were granted the right to vote.  Do you vote?  Do you take responsibility to learn about the candidates and what they propose? What would happen to our country if people who didn’t vote, lost their right to vote?

#80 Why is a woman to be treated differently? 

Woman suffrage will succeed, 

despite this miserable guerrilla opposition.”

Victoria Woodhull (1838 – 1927)American Activist and Author

Reflection Questions: What are your feelings about the worth of different categories of people? Do you think that one’s gender, race, sexual orientation, age, income or social stature should give more or less value to each person or group?  Why or why not?

#81 “There are two powers in the world; 

one is the sword and

 the other is the pen. 

There is a great competition and rivalry between the two. 

There is a third power stronger than both,

 that of women.”

Muhammad Ali Jinnah Barrister, politician and the founder of Pakistan (1876 – 1948)

Reflection Questions:  Does it surprise you that a man, who founded the Muslim country of
Pakistan would hold this opinion?  Why or why not?  Do you agree with him, or not?

#82 “Each time a woman 

stands up for herself, 

without knowing it possibly, 

without claiming it, 

she stands up for all women.”

Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014) Award-winning poet, writer, actress and civil rights leader,

Reflection Questions: If you are a girl or woman, has anyone ever stood up for you? Have you ever stood up for another girl or woman?  If you are a man, have you ever observed a girl or woman standing up for another girl or woman?

#83 “No nation can ever be worthy

 of its existence 

that cannot take its women along with the men. 

No struggle can ever succeed without 

women 

participating side by side with men. . . ”

Muhammad Ali Jinnah Barrister, politician and the founder of Pakistan (1876 – 1948)

Reflection Questions:  Do you agree, or disagree with this thought?  Why, or why not?

#84 “Social gains are never handed out.

 They must be seized.”

Sheryl Sandberg (1969 – present) American technology executive, civil rights activist, writer for women’s rights 

Reflection Questions: What rights do you have, as a women? What made it possible for you to have these rights?

#85 “The older I get, the greater power 

I seem to have to help the world;

I am like a snowball — 

the further I am rolled the more I gain.”

Susan B. Anthony (1820 – 1906) – activist for Women’s Rights

Reflection Questions: As you grow older, what powers have you developed that allow you to be effective in guiding others or in helping the world improve? In thinking about this now, what other ways might you contribute?

#86 “What is imperative for men

 is to become allies of women

 in their fight for equality!” 

Avijeet Das, author and poet in India (1987 – present)

Reflection Questions: How do you define the roles of men and women in a democracy?

#87 “It’s the mark of a backward society – 

or a society moving backward – 

when decisions are made for women

 by men.”

Melinda Gates (1964 – present) -Philanthropist, Co-founded with her husband, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation 

Reflection Questions: Do you make your own decisions about important things in life or does a spouse, parent or boss make decisions for you? Does gender matter in making big decisions? Why or why not?

#88 “Where women are respected, 

there flourishes civilization.”

Abhijit Naskar, Author of The Constitution of the United Peoples of Earth

Reflection Questions: Where in society, or your neighborhood, do you see women being respected?  Where do you observe a lack of respect for women? Are you able to help change situations where women are being disrespected?  If so, how?

#89 “Silencing women 

silences justice.”

DeShanne Stokes (1978 – Present) Author, sociologist, public speaker and pundit

Reflection Questions: Do you agree or disagree with this statement?  What are your reasons for your point of view? 

#90 “There will never be 

a new world order 

until women are part of it.”

Alice Paul (1885 – 1977) – American Suffragette and leader in attaining women’s voting rights

Reflection Questions: Do you agree or disagree with this statement?  Why or why not?

#91 “I go for all 

sharing the privileges of government 

who assist in bearing its burdens, 

by no means excluding women.”

Abraham Lincoln, 16thPresident of the United States (1809 – 1865)

Reflection Questions: President Lincoln supported the rights of women to vote, even though they never gained that right during his lifetime. What do you imagine it must have been like to have no right to vote or determine the laws and values of your own country?

#92 “A woman with a voice 

is by definition a strong woman. 

But the search to find that voice 

can be remarkably difficult.” 

Melinda Gates(1964 – present) – Philanthropist, Co-founded with her husband, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Reflection Questions: In your own words, think about what it means to say, “the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” Have you ever found it difficult to speak up to say what you think?

#93 “I think, with never-ending gratitude, 

that the young women of today 

do not and can never know 

at what price their right to free speech 

and to speak at all in public 

has been earned. 

Lucy Stone  (1818 – 1893) – Suffragist, orator, and abolitionist

Reflection Questions: What do you know about what the Suffragists went through to gain the right for women to vote? What more would you like to know?

#94 “I always feel the movement 

is a sort of mosaic.  

Each of us puts in one little stone, 

and then you get a great mosaic at the end.”

Alice Paul (1885 – 1977) – American Suffragette and leader in attaining women’s voting rights

Reflection Questions: If you think of the Suffragette Movement as a mosaic, name specific groups who are represented by different stones.  Can you also name any individuals?

 

#95 ”The vote is the emblem 

of your equality, 

women of America, 

the guarantee of your liberty.”

Carrie Chapman Catt, Suffragette, Founder of The League of Women Voters in 1920

Reflection Questions: What other emblems, colors or objects represent  equality and liberty?

#96 “Let women issue a 

sexual declaration of independence 

and absolutely refuse to cohabit with men 

until women are acknowledged 

as equals in everything, 

and the victory would 

be won in a single day.”

Victoria Woodhull (1838 – 1927) – Suffragettea leader of the women’s suffrage movement. 

In 1872, she ran for President of the United States as an Equal Rights candidate.

Reflection Questions: Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Do you have a better plan?

#97 “Suffrage didn’t mean 

equal opportunity.”

Annalee Newitz (1969 – present) journalist, editor and author of science, culture and the future

Reflection Questions: In your opinion, how is equal opportunity different from equal rights?

#98 “I thought I had been a suffragist 

before I became a Poor Law Guardian,

 but now I began to think about 

the vote in women’s hands

 not only as a right 

but as a desperate necessity.”

Emmeline Pankhurst, Suffragette

Reflection Questions: Do you think it is still a “necessity” for women to be able to vote?  Why or why not?

#99 “That we have the vote 

means nothing. 

That we use it in the right way 

means everything.”

Lou Henry Hoover (1874 – 1944)humanitarian, Girl Scout leader, women’s athletics advocate, First Lady of the United States – President Herbert Hoover, 31st

Reflection Questions: In your opinion, what is the “right way?” Is there a wrong way?

#100 “To the wrongs 

that need resistance, 

To the right 

that needs assistance, 

To the future in the distance, 

Give yourselves.”

Carrie Chapman Catt (1859 – 1947) – Women’s Activist

Reflection Questions: What can you give to the future of our American Democracy?  How can you help strengthen Equal Rights for all Americans?  What is the consequence of a lack of action on your part?

#100 “No one has a right 

to sit down and feel hopeless.

 There is too much work to do.”

Dorothy Day(1897 – 1980)Journalist,Suffragette, Pacifist 

Reflection Questions: Have you felt hopeless about life and your future?  If so, how can you find ways to rediscover hope and possibilities?  What actions can you take to start problem solving, unfcluttering your life, and doing work that moves you to a better life?  What 1-3 actions can you take?