The Strength of Relationship

On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. Although a national constitutional amendment to allow women to vote had been introduced in Congress every year since 1878, it wasn’t until 1919 that it passed both houses and was sent to the states to be ratified. The fate of the amendment came down to Tennessee, where the state legislature was tied 48 to 48. The decision rested with Harry Burn, who at age 24 years was the youngest state legislator. He had been expected to vote against it, but his mother had given him a note,  which read: "Dear Son: Hurrah, and vote for suffrage! Don't keep them in doubt. I noticed some of the speeches against. They were bitter. I have been watching to see how you stood, but have not noticed anything yet. Don't forget to be a good boy and help Mrs. Catt put the 'rat' in ratification. Your Mother." He voted in favor of the amendment.

A great number of women worked very hard for many years to get the right to vote; they organized conventions and protests, marched, wrote letters, and picketed the White House. Some were even jailed, where they endured maltreatment. Their efforts led to the passage of the amendment in Congress, but what tipped the scales in favor of ratification was a simple note from a mother to her son. The strength of their relationship led Harry Burn to make a decision that affected the lives of millions of women and the course of the country.

In our advocacy work, we must never forget that relationships are the foundation of justice and that no act, even writing a note, is too small to make a difference.