Women's History Month 2023: March 7th - Lucy Burns

Lucy Burns was a women's suffrage activist and one of the key figures in the movement to secure voting rights for women in the United States. Born in 1879, Burns grew up in a politically active family that instilled in her a strong sense of social justice.

In 1912, Burns joined the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) and quickly became a prominent organizer and strategist. She helped lead the 1913 Women's Suffrage Parade in Washington, D.C., which drew thousands of supporters and helped galvanize the movement.

Burns went on to become a leader in the Congressional Union, a more radical suffrage organization that focused on lobbying Congress for a federal amendment granting women the right to vote. She was arrested several times for her activism, and in 1917 was imprisoned at the Occoquan Workhouse, where she endured brutal treatment and a hunger strike.

Despite facing significant obstacles, Burns never wavered in her commitment to the suffrage movement. Her tireless efforts paid off in 1920, when the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote.

Lucy Burns' legacy lives on as a symbol of the power of grassroots organizing, civil disobedience, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Her bravery and tenacity continue to inspire activists and advocates today, as we work towards a more just and equal society for all.