The Hopkinsville-Christian County League of Women Voters has been celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the year women gained the right to vote and intends to continue with a parade next week.
The 19th amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920 and Kentucky was one of the 36 states that was needed for the amendment to become law. Henrietta Kemp with the League of Women Voters says they intend to celebrate on Tuesday with a parade, where participants will be able to dress the part, with sashes and dress of the times. The parade will start at the old court house at 511 South Main Street on Tuesday around 5:15 p.m., and a motorcade will begin at Freedom CME Chapel. The parade starts at 6 p.m. and will end at the Christian County Justice Center.
Kemp says they hope to have a large turn-out in celebration of this historic occasion, and they’ll be recognizing the accomplishments of Mary Bronaugh, a Hopkinsville native who would be Kentucky’s first woman attorney.
She says there will be a brief ceremony at the Justice Center following the parade highlighting the history and discussing what is left to be done in the way of voting rights.
Kemp does say they are requesting for everyone to maintain social distancing and wear a mask, and also that there is no political campaigning during the event. Sashes will be available for purchase for $5, while supplies last. In case of rain, the meeting place will be the pavilion at Founder’s Square, where the ceremony will be held.