To mark Women’s Equality Day on Tuesday, Aug. 26 — the anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote — WVNOW and Huntington NOW will host a public celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ritter Park Rose Garden, 1570 McCoy Rd., in Huntington.
It was announced this week that National Organization of Women President Kim Villanueva will attend Huntington's celebration.
The event will feature music, refreshments and a panel discussion focused on threats to women’s rights today.
“Women from across West Virginia are coming together not just to honor the legacy of the 19th Amendment, but to confront the urgent reality that our rights are once again under threat,†said Gina Milum, president of Huntington NOW. “This gathering, hosted by the newest chapter of WVNOW, is a powerful reminder that the fight for equality is far from over and we are rising to meet the moment.â€
In addition to Villanueva, speakers will include Del. Kayla Young (D-Kanawha); Meghan Moses, founder of the WV Women’s Alliance; Julie Archer of WV Citizen Action Group and the League of Women Voters; Renate Pore, historian and health-care expert leading an effort to place suffragist statues at the State Capitol; and Sheila Coleman-Castells, who will speak on Black suffrage.
