Women’s rights: Where have we been and what’s next.

On August 26, 2020 the United States marked the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment granting women the constitutional right to vote.   This March we celebrate historic victories as part of Women’s History Month commemorations, held annually nationwide since 1987.   

Our speakers will give us an historic overview of women’s rights. Historian JoAnne Sundell will discuss the timeline in the struggle for women’s equality, including the four major women’s movements in the US.  Storyteller Sue Mager will present a recollection of the 1917 “Night of Terror” in the persona of suffragist Lucy Burns.  Conversations will include: What’s next?  What can you do NOW to protect the rights the suffragists fought so hard for?

Sue Mager is a 36-year member of the Buffalo Niagara Chapter of NYS Women, Inc. and past state president, 2012-2013.  She’s an avid reader of history and the suffragist movement.  Sue is a story teller in the persona of NY suffragist, Lucy Burns, presenting the “1917 Night of Terror.”

JoAnne Sundell is an assistant professor of history at Erie Community College (now SUNY Erie) and has been an adjunct instructor since 2003.  JoAnne was recognized with the 2015-2016 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching.  She earned a BA in History at the University of Texas at Arlington and an MA in History at the University of Maryland. 

Historical projects have included a study on the American environmentalism in the twentieth century which included tracing the emergence of environmental protection groups and their effect on legislation and public education.  She also spearheaded a photograph digitization project for the Lancaster, New York Historical Society, overseeing the preservation of several hundred historic photographs from the organization’s archives.

JoAnne owns Dark Forest Chocolate Makers in Lancaster; is a certified WBE; and a former member of the Buffalo Niagara Chapter of NYS Women, Inc.