Equal Suffrage League (Brooklyn) facts for kids
The Equal Suffrage League was an important group started in Brooklyn, New York, in the late 1880s. Its main goal was to fight for voting rights for African American women. This meant they wanted Black women to have the same right to vote as everyone else.
The League also worked to end unfair treatment based on a person's gender or race. Dr. Susan Smith McKinney Steward helped to create this organization alongside its founder, Sarah J. Garnet.
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What Was the Equal Suffrage League?
The Equal Suffrage League was a small but dedicated group. They believed that all people, regardless of their race or gender, should have equal rights, especially the right to vote. They met in Sarah J. Garnet's seamstress shop, which was a place where she made and mended clothes.
Who Started the League?
The League was founded by Sarah J. Garnet. She was a strong leader who cared deeply about equality. Another key person who helped start the group was Dr. Susan Smith McKinney Steward. Together, they laid the groundwork for this important organization.
How Did They Work for Equal Rights?
The Equal Suffrage League joined forces with a bigger organization called the National Association of Colored Women (NACW). This happened after Sarah J. Garnet became the leader of the Suffrage Department for the NACW. Working together, they had a stronger voice.
Supporting the Niagara Movement
In 1907, the Equal Suffrage League and the National Association of Colored Women worked together to support a special statement. This statement backed the ideas of the Niagara Movement. The Niagara Movement was a group that pushed for equal rights for all American citizens. By supporting this, the League showed its commitment to widespread equality.
Why Was the League Important?
Even though the Equal Suffrage League did not last for many years, it played a vital role. It helped to bring attention to the need for voting rights for African American women. The organization ended when Sarah J. Garnet passed away in 1911. However, its efforts contributed to the larger movement for civil rights and women's suffrage in the United States.
