The Woman’s Hour: Our Fight for the Right To Vote

Gr 5 Up–This timely book details the struggle for women’s suffrage. In the summer of 1920, suffragist and anti-suffragist advocates converged in Nashville, TN, to witness the legislature vote on whether or not Tennessee would become the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment. If passed, the amendment would become law. Carrie Chapman Catt, president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, and Sue Shelton White, state chairman of the National Woman’s Party, led supporters against Josephine Pearson, president of the Tennessee State Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage. Activists tirelessly mingled with politicians to persuade them to cast a vote in favor of their side and secure loyalties. The text points out the racism of the anti-suffragist movement. Bribery, dishonesty, and corporate influence also took place behind the scenes. After tense and surprising sessions among legislators, the bill was finally ratified. Weiss presents a fast-paced and engaging resource, with action volleying back and forth between the major players in the struggle. The text acknowledges that securing the vote for women was complicated by racism and that although the 19th Amendment was passed, Black voter suppression continued to be an issue.