In honor of Women’s History Month, this March we’re reading Why They Marched by Susan Ware, an exploration of the women’s suffrage movement in the U.S. In her book, Ware delves into the diverse array of women who fought tirelessly for their right to vote, shedding light on their motivations, challenges, and triumphs. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Ware brings to life the experiences of suffragists from all walks of life, from well-known figures like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton to lesser-known activists whose contributions were equally significant.
Some of whom did work right here in Ohio, too! Ware tells the stories of Rose Schneiderman and Nina Allender, who campaigned in Ohio in 1912 for the National American Woman Suffrage Association’s suffrage state referendum. She also highlights Mary Church, who was one of very few black women in her class at Oberlin College and eventually taught at Wilberforce University in Ohio. And then there’s Sojourner Truth, who made a speech at a convention in Akron in which she announced, “I am a woman’s rights” and declared the sexes were equal.
In Why They Marched, Ware not only chronicles the major events and key players of the suffrage movement but also examines its broader social and political implications. She underscores the intersectionality of the movement, highlighting the contributions of women of color, working-class women, and other marginalized groups who often faced discrimination and exclusion within the suffrage movement itself.
Why They Marched is a captivating read that celebrates the resilience, determination, and collective action of women throughout history. As we honor Women’s History Month, Ware’s book serves as a reminder that women of the past have overcome seemingly impossible obstacles to enact change and that we possess the same power to shape our world today. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or a casual reader, this book offers invaluable insights into a pivotal moment in American history and the remarkable women who influenced it.
