In their own word, fellow Blackhawks reflect on the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution granting women full voting rights.

1. 1
AUGUST 26th DAY OF WOMEN’S EQUALITY!
BLACKHAWKS are saying...
By ATC(AW) Jackson and AMC(AW/SW) Espinosa
At the behest of
Rep. Bella Abzug
(D-NY), in 1971
the U.S. Congress
designated August
26 as “Women’s
Equality Day.”
The date was
selected to
commemorate the
1920 passage of
the 19th
Amendment to the
Constitution,
granting women
the right to vote.
This was the
culmination of a
massive, peaceful
civil rights
movement by
women that had its
formal beginnings
in 1848 at the
world’s first
women’s rights
convention, in
Seneca Falls, New
York.
The observance of
Women’s Equality
Day not only
commemorates the
passage of the
19th Amendment,
but also calls
attention to
women’s
continuing efforts
toward full
equality.
Workplaces,
libraries,
organizations, and
public facilities
now participate
with Women’s
Equality Day
programs,
displays, video
showings, or other
activities.
HERITAGE
&
DIVERSITY
COMMITTEE
August25,2013
AWS2 (NAC/AW) THOMAS
Women's ability to vote is one of
the stepping stones that lead to
other opportunities for women to
be considered as equals to their
male counterparts. Our right to
vote has contributed to women
aircrewmen. Also August 26th is
my birthday which means I
represent Women's Equality Day. I
represent every woman.
LS3 MURPHREE
Because of the countless women
that rallied for equality and change,
there are tremendous amounts of
opportunities to sailors today that
would not be available otherwise. I
have been given equal opportunity
to succeed in the armed services
where as in the past there were
limitations on what females could
do in the military.

2. 2
“My decision to register women confirms what is already obvious throughout our
society-that women are now providing all types of skills in every profession. The
military should be no exception.” - President Jimmy Carter
H&DCAugust25,2013
Women in the
Blackhawk
community.
HM-15
military
women work
just as hard
as their male
counterparts.
AECS (AW) OBRYANT
Women's Equality Day serves as
a reminder of celebrated victories
and the continued efforts of
females to be recognized on the
same level as our male
counterparts. History has shown
successes, ranging from women's
right to vote, owning property, and
serving our country in combat roles
as well as other areas that were
once restricted to males only.
Efforts promoting woman's equality
can never be over emphasized nor
should it be undervalued. Such
efforts continue to lay the
foundation of increase professional
and personal opportunities for
women of all backgrounds.
AMAN JIMENEZ
Women’s equality has effected
my experience in the navy by
allowing me to work in a rate not
traditionally thought for women.
Women in the military can now
work in fields other than the
stereotypical occupations.

3. 3
YNSN CURRY
Equality for women has affected my military experience by allowing me to join the service
and do something amazing for my country. This country has come a long way since 1968.
As a woman, I'm proud of the progress we have made.
LS1(AW) HEARD
As a woman in the military I want the
same job opportunities, awards,
qualifications, training, and treatment
just as my male counterparts. “Equality”
has come a long way but has some more
growing to do.
H&DCAugust25,2013

4. 4
LS2(AW) Perkins
The doors have
opened and equal
pay for women is
the big difference
for me. We a have
also witnessed
females in power
positions like
Companies CEO,
Navy Admirals, and
CMC’s. Those
changes are just a
few things that have
made a personal
difference for me.
AZ3(AW) Davis
Women have come a long
way in the American society
compared to 40 and 50 years
ago. Being a women of color
make me appreciate how far
society has come even more.
Susan B. Anthony made it
possible for me to vote, Rosa
Parks made history not only
as a Black American, but also
a woman during the civil
rights. Even though we have
women run for president
before, Hilary Clinton and
Sarah Palin are prime
examples of how far
women have come
politically. Women now
play a large role in politics,
the judicial system, our
military, the media, sports,
and much more. Equal
opportunity has made it
possible for women to do
anything men are capable
of doing. Thanks to Sally
Ride, we can reach beyond
the stars (literally). We are
not 100 percent there yet,
but the change is very
evident.
H&DCAugust25,2013
“Ultimately, America's answer to the intolerant man is diversity, the very diversity
which our heritage of religious freedom has inspired.”
- Robert F. Kennedy

5. 5
LS2 Furman
I believe that the change that has occurred over the
last 40 years has been monumental in the sense that
women have been recognized and not pushed aside.
In the civilian sector for many years women have
been paid less than men for performing the same job
and attention has been brought to that; furthermore I
believe that changes either have been made or are
forthcoming. The military has also become more
open to the inclusion of women in jobs that were
once only performed by men. While that may seem
like a giant leap towards progression in the women's
liberation movement, it can also have its drawbacks.
The demand to achieve the same level of work
requirement could be placed on women who do not
wish to be classified in the "women's liberation"
movement, therefore making them appear less
capable of meeting the demands of their job.
Culturally I have seen more women of color rise to
prominent positions in government, media and the
military in the past 40 years. This serves as an
example to generations their junior to set their
standards high and excel beyond their predecessors.
YN2 (AW) BOYD
Women's rights had a profound impact on my
view of military equality. Yeoman was the first
large-scale rate manned by women, thus providing a
strong female presence in the U.S. Navy and leading
to advancements in rank and recognition. Without
the impact of the Progressive Era and a movement
for women's suffrage, this country would have
witnessed a downfall of productivity and power.
H&DCAugust25,2013
Women in the
Blackhawk
community.
HM-15
has
command
and
mission
oriented
women
who prevail
year round
even during
most
critical
times.

6. 6
AZ2(AW) Ponder
This topic has truly hit
my heart dearly. I have
personally seen members of
my family go through
hardship because women
were treated as second class
citizens. Times have change
and with change it made it
possible for women to
succeed and compete with
our male counterparts. That
has made the biggest impact
for me.
AZ2(AW) Bartholomew
The progression of women
has been a hot topic for a
long time. We have
becoming stronger and more
self reliant. I can remember
a time when women weren’t
allowed to do anything but
domestic work, and now we
can run for president of the
United States. In today’s
time we can fight for our
country or construct and
build the tallest of buildings,
so I am proud to keep the
movement going for the
strong and independent
women.
H&DCAugust25,2013
Women in the
Blackhawk
community.
Military women
will continue to
lead the way in
all aspects of
the Armed
Services.
HOOYAH
BLACKHAWKS!