Even though the suffrage movement was focused on women gaining the right to vote, the battle was mostly fought separately along racial lines. White women shunned and marginalized African American women, which propelled them to form their own groups. Author, speaker, and educator, Michelle Duster explains the racial divisions of the suffrage movement and how the struggle for African American women to be included extends to today when it comes to documentation and commemorations of the movement.
Michelle Duster is the great-granddaughter of civil rights pioneer Ida B. Wells.
Co-sponsored with AAUW Northwest Suburban
This program is presented in recognition of Black History Month.
The 1501 Ellinwood Street library building is the realization of a longheld dream of the library board, staff and community partners. Located in the heart of downtown Des Plaines, the four story, 82,000 square foot building represents the community's commitment to reading, lifelong learning, and a center for family activities. A grand central staircase and large windows provide a wealth of natural light and illuminate the building at night.