Today, we're celebrating the birthday of our founder, Carrie Chapman Catt  (January 9, 1859 – March 9, 1947).

One of the most influential leaders of the suffragist movement, Catt developed and implemented the state-by-state strategy that finally won women the right to vote over 100 years ago.

In 1919, Catt proposed the creation of a nonpartisan educational organization for women voters and on February 14, 1920 — six months before the 19th Amendment was ratified — the national League of Women Voters (LWV) was organized in Chicago, Illinois. Catt was honorary president of the LWV for the rest of her life.

Carrie Chapman Catt defined a career of activism by breaking barriers. She was unwavering in her belief in the power of women, and relentless in her efforts to make the world recognize that power.

Yet, as historical reflection often beckons us to do, we must examine our founders and learn from their faults.  

The 19th Amendment did not expand voting rights for all women. It left in place the barriers that deliberately kept women of color from having an equal voice. And, unfortunately, that was by design.

Many suffrage leaders, including and especially Catt, appealed to the notion of white supremacy in their arguments for the passage of the 19th Amendment. This left Native women, African American women, Hispanic women, and Asian American women to continue fighting for their own right to vote well beyond 1920.

Today, we acknowledge this shortcoming and that we have more work to do. As we commit to righting the wrongs of our past, we dedicate ourselves to building a stronger, more inclusive democracy.

Our founder was far from perfect, but what she achieved changed the world.  And today, we celebrate her.