The League of Women Voters of Freeport will hold a social mixer between 10 and 11:30 a.m., April 23 at the Freeport Public Library. Social time will be followed by local historical re-enactors LaFrancine Baker and Becky Connors delivering speeches of suffragists Sojourner Truth and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth (1797 – 1883) gave her “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech, in Akron, Ohio in 1851. Her words to the crowd at the Ohio Women’s Convention there would help her to become one of the most famous African-American women of the 19th century.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902) was an organizing figure in the early women’s rights movement and is best known for her efforts in writing the “Declaration of Sentiments” for the 1851 Seneca Falls (NY) Women’s Rights Convention. Frederick Douglass attended the convention and spoke forcefully in support of Stanton’s resolution calling for women’s suffrage.
The public is invited to hear LaFrancine and Becky in their respective roles as Sojourner Truth and Elizabeth Cady Stanton at the League event that will also offer the opportunity to meet and chat with some of the League members who can fill people in on recent League programs, initiative and events. Refreshments will be available, and drawings for door prizes will take place throughout the mixer.
Attendance is limited to 50 people in a well ventilated meeting room open to the out-of-doors.
The League of Women Voters of Freeport is a nonpartisan organization that has worked for over 100 years to promote good government, register voters, and encourage active participation in government. Membership in the League is open to men and women age 18 and older.
For additional information or to RSVP, telephone or text Sharon Koch at 815-275-2398 or email her at sharona68@hotmail.com.
