Burlington
County Freeholder Director Felicia Hopson announced today that the Women’s
Advisory Council is hosting an event to celebrate 100 years of women’s
suffrage. The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage
of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right
to vote.
“The
performance, Letters to Aunt Hattie, celebrates women’s suffrage as well as the
contribution of African-American women to the movement,” said Freeholder
Director Felicia Hopson. “This one-woman show is truly inspirational and allows
us to reflect on and appreciate the legacies of women like Harriet Forten
Purvis and Charlotte Forten Grimke who shaped the women’s rights movement.”
The
event will be held on Saturday, February 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the
Burlington County Library Auditorium on Pioneer Blvd. in Westampton. It is free
and open to the public.
The
play is written and performed by Gilletta McGraw based on the real-life
activists Harriet Forten Purvis and Charlotte Forten Grimke.
Charlotte
Forten, a young, bright student, begins writing letters to her favorite aunt,
Aunt Hattie. Through these letters, Charlotte shares her thoughts during her
studies and learns about some of the monumental accomplishments of the women in
her family. During their back-and-forth correspondence, Charlotte grows in her
activism and dedication to serve the oppressed and fight for equality.
Additionally,
Harriet Forten Purvis was an African-American abolitionist and first-generation
suffragist. With her mother and sisters, she formed the first biracial women’s
abolitionist group, the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society, which was the
first biracial women’s abolitionist group. She also hosted anti-slavery events
at her home and bravely ran an Underground Railroad station, and fought against
Segregation.
“This
is just one of the events that the Council will be hosting this year to celebrate
100 years of women’s suffrage,” concluded Freeholder Hopson. “We hope that
everyone will join us. The anniversary gives us the opportunity to recognize
those who have made a difference in history and empower younger generations.”
The Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council works to identify and address issues that affect women in Burlington County, raise public awareness of the special needs and roles of women, provide mentoring opportunities for women, and enhance the quality of life for all women. For more information follow the Council on Facebook at @BurlingtonCountyWomen or visit: http://co.burlington.nj.us/263/Womens-Advisory-Council