2008-08-23 00:59:03 -
- The San Diego Film Critics Society is partnering with the San Diego Women's History Museum and Educational Center (SDWHM) on Aug. 30, 5 p.m. at MOPA in Balboa Park to highlight Women's Equality Day, which is celebrated each year on Aug. 26, in honor of the day the 19th Amendment was ratified.
In admiration of the Women's Suffrage
Movement, SDFCS will hold a benefit screening of the movie Iron Jawed Angels, a recounting of the defiant young activists who risked their own lives to help American women win the right to vote.
"Many have struggled and died to secure our precious right to vote, and we should be diligent in exercising this right in our upcoming Presidential General Election on November 4," said San Diego Registrar of Voters' Deborah Seiler. Chief Deputy for Election Services, Nicole Alejandre, will attend the event and offer comments. Midge Costanza, a former assistant to President Carter, a public affairs officer for S. D. District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis and professor of Women's Studies, and Mike Lumpkin, Candidate for United States Congress (CA 52nd District) will also speak at the event.
Although Congress passed the law in 1919, amending the Constitution required ratification by at least two-thirds of the states. On Aug. 26th, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, and women officially won the right to vote. SDWHM celebrates Women's Equality each year with a variety of events. On Sat., Aug. 23 there will be a Suffrage March across the bridge in Balboa Park, followed by a Suffrage Ball with dancing, food, historic reenactments and a "voting" theme.
"Without the work of these courageous women, the gains that women have made, and continue to make, in the political, social and professional arenas would have been much more difficult, if not impossible," Dr. Karen Shelby of the Women's History Museum said. "Although we still need to see many more women political candidates and office holders at all levels, the promise of the statement that 'all men and women are created equal' is ever closer to realization."
We look forward to coverage from your outlet on this prestigious event which not only celebrates a significant event in history but puts a spotlight on what promises to be a truly exciting and important voting period later this year. We have dignitaries and members of SDFCS or SDWHM available for on-air camera appearances or print interviews.
Tickets, suggested donation $10, are available at the door or make reservations at www.sdfcs.org. For interviews or more information contact Diana Saenger - 619-445-4105 or 619-504-4148.
San Diego Film Critics Society
Diana Saenger, 619-445-4105 or 619-504-4148
