Hello and happy Women’s History Month! I have lots of blog posts that I can’t wait to share. Today, I am talking about the women’s suffrage movement. Specifically, I’m talking about suffragette white: the interesting history to know. I’m sure you’re familiar with suffragette white since it is discussed and still worn today by many women, but I didn’t know the origins of the color choice until recently. After some research, I decided to share this herstory with you!
A (Very) Brief History
I’ll start with a brief timeline of the suffrage movement. It starts with Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, two suffragette activists, in 1840. The organizers would not let them attend the World Anti-Slavery Convention in London. Instead, they hold the first Women’s Rights Convention in the United States in 1848. After that, women began to hold rallies and speak out for their right to vote.
Women’s Suffrage Gains Momentum
Over time, several states’ constitutions allowed women’s suffrage. However, it wasn’t legal nationwide yet. Suffragists held their first parade in New York City in 1910. Over the next ten years, the movement gained momentum. In 1919, the Senate passed the 19th amendment. In August 1920, the 19th Amendment officially became law.
Black Women and the Suffragette Movement
It’s important to note that white suffragettes excluded Black women. While many suffragettes were part of the abolitionist movement, they were still racist. Black women didn’t reject the movement, though. They were an integral part of it. They still participated in hopes that women’s suffrage would benefit Black communities. Meanwhile, white women barred Black women from conventions and segregated parades. Black women fought on two fronts: for their right to vote and against white supremacy.
I bring this history up to remember and reflect on the fact that our history is whitewashed. The activists that we learned about were problematic, to say the least. It’s on us (white people) to do the work. We need to educate ourselves on history so we can do the work to dismantle systemic racism.
Suffragette White
Suffragette white remains a relevant and powerful statement in politics. Everyone knows about it. But did you know that the official colors of the movement were gold, purple, and white? Activists and supporters wore white most often because it was accessible. Everyone had white in their closet because it was cheaper than other fabric colors. Not only that, it stood out in black and white photos, so it is remembered.
Like I said before, wearing white is still a prominent symbol in politics. Think back to the 2019 State of the Union address. Democratic women U.S. Representatives encouraged women of both parties to wear white to evoke a message of women’s rights. Many political leaders, like Shirley Chisholm, Hillary Clinton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Geraldine Ferraro, have worn white to pay homage to the women’s suffrage movement.
Final Thoughts
Fashion always has and will always be political. It has power. I love a monochrome white outfit. And I love that it sends a message of women empowerment, especially as a woman in politics. I also remember the Black women excluded from the movement. And I think of all the work that must still be done to secure voting rights for all Americans.
We can think of white as a nod to the suffragette movement. But at the same time, we must recognize that the suffragettes we learned about were far from perfect.
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed learning more about suffragette white: the interesting history to know. Please let me know your thoughts – I’d love to hear them. Also, feel free to connect with me over on Instagram or here on the blog to keep up with my Women’s History Month posts.
xo,
Kyndal