Descendants of Suffragists Emphasize Importance of Women's Voices in 2024 Election

Throughout the United States, the descendants of prominent suffragists from over a century ago continue to champion the cause for women's rights, carrying on the legacy of their foremothers.

Maintaining the Family Tradition

Michelle Jones Galvin, the great-great-great grand-niece of the renowned abolitionist Harriet Tubman, is actively involved in sharing Tubman's remarkable story and advocating for women's rights. Together with her mother, Galvin co-authored "Beyond the Underground: Aunt Harriet, Moses of Her People," shedding light on Tubman's pivotal role as a commander of armed military missions during the Civil War and her efforts as a suffragist. Their work aims to highlight Tubman's significant contributions, particularly in co-founding the National Association of Colored Women in 1896, which tirelessly fought for the equality of women of color, addressing their exclusion from the suffrage movement.

Preserving a Legacy

Michelle Duster, a descendent of investigative journalist Ida B. Wells, is committed to preserving her great-grandmother's legacy. Duster has dedicated herself to writing and editing books about Wells, including a children's book, in addition to contributing to the development of a series of Chicago murals dedicated to suffrage. Her efforts aim to ensure that Wells' impactful work in exposing the horrors of lynching and advocating for suffrage are remembered for generations to come.

Continuing the Fight

These descendants are actively engaging with the public to educate and inspire, with Susan Whiting, a descendent of Susan B. Anthony, chairing the board of the National Women's History Museum in Washington, D.C. Their collective goal is to celebrate and recognize the pivotal role of women in American history, and to encourage and empower young individuals to pursue positive change.

Empowering Through Education

Their advocacy extends to highlighting the critical role of women's voices in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, amidst a nationwide debate over reproductive rights. Emphasizing the importance of voting, Galvin urges individuals to make their voices heard at the ballot box, echoing the sentiments of their founding mothers. The aim is to ensure that the legacy of these suffragists endures, providing inspiration and guidance to future generations.