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Women's Equality Day Attendees take a photo together at Dallas City Hall. Photo credit: Texas Women’s Foundation/Brandon R. Gibson

On August 28th, the League of Women Voters of Dallas held Women's Equality Day, marking the 104th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment at Dallas City Hall. This year's theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” reflected its commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women in the community. Though the actual date of Women’s Equality Day is August 26, the event is held on the Wednesday closest to the date for Dallas City Hall to best accommodate the program.      

Sandy Thornton, League of Women Voters of Dallas president, welcomed everyone. Bryan Adams High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors. AJ T. Cole recognized sponsors and supporters (see list at end).

Dallas City Council Member Gay Donnell Willis welcomed the 100 attendees and read a resolution with her colleagues including CM Paula Blackmon, CM Jaynie Schultz and CM Kathy Stewart. Other members in attendance were CM Cara Mendelsohn, CM Tennell Atkins, CM Omar Narvaez.

Texas State Representative Jessica Gonzalez (District 104) gave remarks, followed by Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown sharing a resolution.

Texas Women’s Foundation President and CEO Karen Hughes White was the keynote speaker. “Thank you for showing up. Like the suffragists who came before us and all of us who continue the fight for women’s equality, showing up for women and girls is THE single most important thing we can do.”

She added, “According to my dad, I was always finding causes to fight for and always organizing from the first-ever high school homecoming parade at Habersham Central High School – in rural North Georgia – an actual parade, to a five-day tennis marathon that raised $75K for the American Cancer Society AND broke a Guinness World Record. I was 24 at the time.”

White remarked, “How it is possible that in the great state of Texas, with our robust economy – the strongest in the nation – and by some reports, the 8th strongest in the world, how can it be that we rank 47th out of 50 states across 25 indicators of women’s economic security and well-being?” She added that more work needs to be done and announced that Texas Women’s Foundation will soon publish its 5th edition of Economic Issues in Texas in October to share more research. Those wanting to learn more can visit https://txwf.org/.

Special thanks to sponsors: AAUW Dallas, Texas; BURRs; Gabriela Pataro, Joan M. Ridley, Judith Shure, League of Women Voters of Collin County; Mollie Mossman, Future-World Institute; National Council of Jewish Women Greater Dallas; Pamela Tilford Mahomes; Sandy Thornton; Susybelle Lyons Gosslee; The Preston Hollow Democrats; United Nations Association Dallas Chapter; Women’s Council of Dallas County.

About the League of Women Voters of Dallas

The League of Women Voters of Dallas is a nonpartisan organization committed to empowering voters and defending democracy. With a vision of a democracy where every person has the desire, right, knowledge, and confidence to participate in the election process, the League promotes voting as a fundamental right that should be available to all eligible voters. Through advocacy and educational programs, the League of Women Voters of Dallas aims to achieve elections that are free, fair, and accessible. For more information, visit www.lwvdallas.org/

About Texas Women’s Foundation

By working with women, families and communities, Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) is building a stronger, more equitable Texas. TXWF raises funding from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support more than $7.1 million in investments each year that advance economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls through timely research, advocacy, grants and strategic/educational initiatives. Since inception in 1985, TXWF has invested more than $80 million in Texas women and girls.

The Foundation’s statewide research on issues impacting Texas women and girls provides corporate, state and local decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. Its advocacy, grantmaking and educational initiatives support solutions that help Texas women and girls survive and thrive. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the gender lens investing movement and has deployed 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a gendered impact portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits to women and girls. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now

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