Breaking Barriers: The Women Who Defied 1872 to Secure the Right to Vote

In 1872, the fight for women’s suffrage was fierce, and a few trailblazing women weren’t waiting for permission—they were making history. As the nation wrestled with post-Civil War issues, some women exercised their right to vote and run for office, leading a significant push in the battle for equality.

Join AARP New York and Brooklyn author and storyteller Bill Greer for a compelling exploration of this pivotal year in women’s suffrage. Greer will lead us through the tension-filled stories of women like Susan B. Anthony and Victoria Woodhull, highlighting the fractures within the movement and the courageous efforts to gain voting rights for all women.

The Year of Change: 1872 In 1872, the push for women’s suffrage was at a crossroads. Not all women agreed on the best path forward—attitudes toward achieving the vote varied widely. The suffrage movement was also divided into opposing camps led by iconic figures like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who once worked side-by-side but eventually split over differences in strategy.

Victoria Woodhull’s Unconventional Path One of the most fascinating characters of the time was Victoria Woodhull, a businesswoman, activist, and the first woman to run for president. Woodhull was a fierce advocate for women’s rights, but her radical views and lifestyle made her both a trailblazer and a controversial figure. Greer will dive into her unconventional campaign and how it shook the political establishment.

The First Woman to Vote in New York? Perhaps the most dramatic moment came on Election Day 1872 when Susan B. Anthony led a group of women to the polls and cast her own vote. Her act of defiance led to her arrest, but it also sparked national attention and made her the first New York woman to claim the right to vote.

Join Us for an Interactive Q&A This event will offer not only a deep dive into women’s suffrage history but also a chance for you to engage in an interactive Q&A with Bill Greer. Bring your questions, and let’s discuss how the brave actions of women in 1872 still resonate today.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
• Time: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Virtual event - Register here

Let’s honor these women’s courage and dedication by learning more about their struggle for equality. Don’t miss this enlightening event!

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