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'The Power Of Persistence.' Lexington Lights Statue Honoring Kentucky Suffragists

LFUCG

The Kentucky women who led the fight for their right to vote were honored Wednesday night as Lexington officially lit Stand, a statue commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. 

Credit LFUCG

Counting down from 19, the councilwomen who launched the project - Jennifer Mossotti and Kathy Plomin - stood underneath the 20-foot tall aluminum silhouettes of Suffragists as a piece of history was illuminated. Mossotti reminded the audience that the figures, kept anonymous by design, are meant to represent all who worked and continue to work toward equal representation for women.

"We pay tribute to the many prominent Kentucky suffragists whose fight gained this triumph and the hundreds of thousands more who marched, agitated, and suffered to ensure their mothers, sisters, and daughters the right to vote," she said.

Yet many speakers noted the 19th Amendment, while a milestone, did not end that battle for Black, Native, Latin, and Asian women. Sixth District Councilwoman Lisa Higgins-Hord had this message for those who've faced ongoing discrimination: "You are not invisible. We honor you."

The lighting ceremony was attended by Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, Congressman Andy Barr, Gov. Andy Beshear, and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman. 

Copyright 2020 WUKY

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now known as Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and Program Director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.