Proclaim Women's Equality Day

August 26, 2018, as Women's Equality Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to acknowledge and celebrate individuals and events of historic significance which add inspiration and understanding to the diversity and value of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 26, 2018, as Women's Equality Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Women's Equality Day; and WHEREAS, On Women's Equality Day, August 26th, the hard work and perseverance of those who helped secure women's suffrage in the United States is recognized; and WHEREAS, First introduced in 1878, the 19th Amendment was passed by the United States Congress on June 4, 1919; and WHEREAS, With the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in 1920, American women gained one of the most cherished rights and fundamental responsibilities of citizenship: the right to vote; and WHEREAS, The struggle for women's suffrage in America dates back to the founding of our country; the movement began in earnest at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, when women drafted a Declaration of Sentiments proclaiming they had the same rights as men; and WHEREAS, In 1916, Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives, despite the fact that her fellow women would not be able to vote nationally for four more years; these women and many more like them worked to ensure that future generations of women could realize the promise of America; and WHEREAS, Today, American women are leaders in business, government, law, science, medicine, the arts, education, and many other fields; women-owned businesses account for nearly half of all privately held firms and are opening at twice the rate of male-owned businesses; and WHEREAS, Through vision, determination, and a strong work ethic, remarkable American women have broadened opportunities for themselves and women around the world; and WHEREAS, The full participation of women and the protection of their rights as citizens are essential for freedom and democracy to flourish; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of women in the State of New York, America and throughout the world and renew our commitment to equality for all women, both at home and abroad; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 26, 2018, as Women's Equality Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.