The ABA’s first female president, Roberta Cooper Ramo (1995-96), reads the words of British suffragist Emmeline Pankhurst: “Once they are determined, nothing on earth and nothing in heaven will make women give way; it is impossible.” Then Ramo adds her own advice: “That determination won women the right to vote. As we commemorate the centennial of the 19th Amendment, there’s still work to do. Get started by registering to vote.”
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
10 ABA female presidents team up to celebrate the vote
September 14, 2020
Ramo is one of 10 ABA female presidents in a new video that reflects on the suffragist sisterhood that fought to grant women the right to vote and underscores the need to ensure equal voting rights for all today.
Each woman reads an inspiring message from a prominent suffragist and offers advice for making the most of suffrage today.
The video, which concludes with all the speakers urging viewers in unison to “make every vote count,” was created to celebrate the centennial of the 19th Amendment and look forward to the November general election. It was widely shared on social media.
The project is just one way the ABA continues to promote civic engagement. The association recently introduced the Poll Worker, Esq. initiative, which urges lawyers and law students to volunteer as poll workers on Election Day, and offers resources and information at its Election Center.