Today in Feminist History: The National Woman’s Party Stands Its Ground (September 18, 1968)

But if conventional methods fail, the National Woman’s Party knows how to escalate. And this time they have a new ally. Barbara Ireton, president of the National Capital Area Chapter of the National Organization for Women, said it was decided at meetings held today in Washington and New York that if necessary, a ring of women will surround the property to protect it if the House passes the condemnation bill and President Johnson doesn’t veto it. So, history may repeat itself 51 years after the National Woman’s Party’s “Silent Sentinels” began going to jail in D.C. for peacefully protesting along the White House fence to pressure President Wilson into endorsing and lobbying for the Anthony Amendment. Updates will follow when there are further developments in this confrontation.

Today in Feminist History: Some Militant Action Is Vital to Victory (July 6, 1917)

Of course, more conservative methods of achieving “Votes for Women” are endorsed by suffragists like Carrie Chapman Catt and organizations such as the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Their efforts clearly help our cause of equal suffrage as well, but some militant action is also vital to victory. So the courage and determination of Alice Paul’s “Silent Sentinels” should be praised, and their efforts supported until the Anthony Amendment, which bans discrimination at the polls on account of sex, is safely and permanently in the U.S. Constitution.

Today in Feminist History: 125 Suffragists Picket Republicans (June 8, 1920)

Like the N.W.P.’s “Silent Sentinels” who picketed the White House from 1917 to 1919 to pressure Democratic President Woodrow Wilson into first endorsing, then actively working for the Anthony Amendment, today’s protesters are deliberate and dignified. There is no heckling or harassment of delegates as they arrive or leave. No speeches are being made. There is simply a long and impressive line of women carrying powerful messages on banners.

With a Powerhouse All-Women Cast, ‘Suffs’ Explores Activists Who Made Women’s Voting Rights Happen

Unlike the limited lessons of women’s suffrage many learn—Seneca Falls and Susan B. Anthony—Suffs digs deep into the gamesmanship wielded by the movement’s early 20th century leaders. Suffs opens April 6 at the venerable Public Theater in New York City. Lin-Manuel Miranda himself tweeted this week that >Suffs is “gobsmackingly incredible” and its writer and star, Shaina Taub as Alice Paul, is “the FUTURE.” I couldn’t agree more.