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Equal rights proclamation in Floyd County

Equal rights proclamation in Floyd County
Elected officials and representatives of the National 19th Amendment Society gather for the reading of a proclamation on civil rights and voting rights Monday morning at the Floyd County Board of Supervisors meeting. From left are Sheriff Jeff Crooks, County Treasurer Frank Rottinghaus, Ivadelle Stevenson of the National 19th Amendment Society, Charles City Council member Phillip Knighten, Supervisor Linda Tjaden, Supervisor Roy Schwickerath, Joy Frank of the National 19th Amendment Society, County Auditor Gloria Carr and Supervisor Doug Kamm. Press photo by Bob Steenson
By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

The Floyd County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution Monday morning proclaiming 2020 to be “A Year of Commemoration of Equal Rights.”

The proclamation was passed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and included references to efforts by men and women of all races who have fought for civil rights and equal rights, including the 100th anniversary this year of the passage of the 19th Amendment granting the right to vote to women, and King’s role as a civil rights leader and his legacy dream “that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to self-evident that all men are created equal.’”

Here is the text of the proclamation:

Floyd County Commemoration of Equal Rights Proclamation

Whereas, in 1848 activists for women’s rights and ending slavery joined together in Seneca Falls, New York, a time known as the beginning of the suffrage movement; and

Whereas, nationwide suffragists from all walks of life, political views and demographic backgrounds campaigned, lobbied, marched, pleaded, petitioned, suffered public disdain, violent opposition, imprisonment and even demise while advocating and fighting for the right to voice their opinions; and

Whereas, several ceremonious events occurred on a national level seeking universal guarantees of certain basic rights for citizens, regardless of gender or race, but for many years fell short to fruition in some states, including but not limited to:

• 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the. United States, 1865 — Abolition of Slavery and Involuntary Servitude.

• 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, 1868 — Protecting rights against state infringements, defined citizenship, prohibiting states from interfering with privileges and immunities, requiring due process and equal protection, punishing states for denying votes, and disqualifying Confederate officials and debts.

• 15th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, 1870 – Voting Rights.

• 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, 1919 — Women’s Right to Vote. Ratification of this Amendment required three-fourths (36) of the states, beginning with Illinois as the first state on June 10, 1919, Iowa as the 10th state on July 2, 1919, and Tennessee as the 36th state on August 18, 1920.

• 24th Amendment, 1964 — Abolition of Poll Tax Requirement in Federal Elections.

• The Voting Rights Act, 1965 — The “act” to enforce the 15th Amendment, forbidding states from imposing discriminatory restrictions on who can vote and providing mechanism for the federal government to enforce its provision.

Whereas, most women and men who began asking for the right to vote never lived to see the enfranchisement, and their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are now making their voices heard at the polls because of unified support and a culmination of decades of work and struggle by advocates to ensure participation in our democracy in pursuit of a civic life in our Nation; and

Whereas, both male and female, regardless of their race or gender, are running for office in unprecedented numbers, remembering that they follow in the footsteps of suffragists and recognizing the fundamental role of citizens,

Now, therefore, be it resolved, the Floyd County Board of Supervisors:

1) Observes this 20th day of January, a day of national recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, for Dr King’s role as a civil rights leader and his legacy dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to self-evident that all men are created equal”;

2) Commemorates the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, providing for women’s suffrage;

3) Reaffirms the desire of citizens to continue strengthening democratic participation and inspire future generations to cherish and preserve the historic precedents established in our country;

4) Pays tribute to the core values of our democracy as promised by the Constitution of the United States and the opportunity for people in the United States to learn about and commemorate the efforts of the suffrage movements and their role in our democracy;

5) Encourages the citizens of Floyd County to commit to taking steps to support our local community, enjoy the freedom of voter participation, continue to fight for the rights for all citizens and celebrate these important milestones;

Be it further resolved, the Floyd County Board of Supervisors do hereby proclaim the calendar year 2020 to be a year of Commemoration of Equal Rights.

FLOYD COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Roy Schwickerath, Chair
Linda Tjaden, Vice Chair
Doug Kamm, Board Member
Attest: Gloria Carr, Floyd County Auditor

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