Honoring Women’s Suffrage: Central Park to Celebrate Stanton, Anthony, and More

by Peter July 8, 2024

written by Peter July 8, 2024

Central Park to Honor Women’s Suffrage Leaders

Historical Disparity in Monuments

Throughout the United States, there is a stark disparity in the number of monuments dedicated to real women. According to research published in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Art Inventories Catalog, only 394 statues, or eight percent of the 5,193 public outdoor sculptures of individuals in the United States, depict women.

Central Park’s Lack of Representation

New York City’s Central Park has come under particular scrutiny for its lack of representation of historical women. In 2015, none of the park’s then 22 statues of historical figures were of real women.

Movement for Change

In response to this disparity, a website titled centralparkwherearethewomen.org was launched to advocate for the creation of a monument to women’s rights crusaders Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton in Central Park.

Centennial Celebration

On the anniversary of the centennial of women’s suffrage in New York State, the New York City Parks Department dedicated the future site of the “Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony Woman Suffrage Movement Monument.” The monument will be located in the walkway between 66th and 72nd Streets.

Honoring Additional Suffragists

In addition to Stanton and Anthony, the monument will honor the memory of other prominent suffragists, including Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, Mary Church Terrell, Anna Howard Shaw, and Ida B. Wells-Barnett.

Governor Cuomo’s Announcement

On November 6, 2017, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to build statues of suffragists Sojourner Truth and Rosalie Gardiner Jones on state property.

Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree into slavery in Ulster County, New York, became an ardent advocate for both the suffragist and abolitionist movements. She escaped to freedom in 1826 and changed her name to Sojourner Truth.

Rosalie Gardiner Jones

Rosalie Gardiner Jones, a Long Island native known as “General” Jones, led the 1913 National American Women Suffrage Association march from New York to Washington, D.C. Despite mob violence during the parade, Jones and her fellow activists persevered.

Legacy of the Suffragists

The suffragists who fought for women’s voting rights left an enduring legacy. Governor Cuomo stated, “From the suffrage movement’s launch right here in Seneca Falls to the historic Women’s Equality Agenda, New York leads the nation in fighting for women’s rights.”

Call for Design Submissions

The State of New York is currently accepting submissions for the designs of both the Stanton-Anthony monument and the Truth-Jones statues.

Ongoing Fight for Equality

While the centennial of women’s suffrage is a significant milestone, Governor Cuomo emphasized that the fight for true equality continues. “As we recognize this important milestone in our history and reflect on how much progress has been made over the last century, we know we cannot rest as we continue to fight for true equality.”

Peter

Peter is a marketer with a background in business and a passion for writing. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting compelling narratives, Peter has carved out a niche for himself as a versatile contributor to LifeScienceArt.com, where he enjoys sharing his insights and expertise across a wide array of topics. Peter's journey into the world of marketing began with his university education in business. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. His academic pursuits were characterized by a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and strategic planning. This foundation laid the groundwork for his successful career in marketing, where he has applied his knowledge to help businesses grow and thrive in competitive landscapes. Throughout his career, Peter has worked with a diverse range of companies, from startups to large multinational conglomerates, helping them develop and execute effective marketing strategies. His experience spans various industries, including technology, healthcare, and consumer goods, reflecting his adaptability and broad skill set. Peter's ability to blend analytical thinking with creative problem-solving has made him a valuable asset in any organization he works with. Despite his busy professional life, Peter has always made time for his true passion: writing. He finds joy in the written word and believes in its power to inform, inspire, and connect people. This passion has found a perfect outlet in LifeScienceArt.com, where he contributes to all sections of the site. Whether it's penning thought-provoking articles on the latest trends in life sciences, crafting engaging profiles of industry leaders, or writing insightful pieces on art and its intersection with science, Peter brings a unique voice and perspective to his work. One of the aspects Peter cherishes most about his role at LifeScienceArt.com is the opportunity to collaborate with a wonderful cohort of writers. He values the camaraderie and the shared commitment to excellence that characterize the team. Working alongside talented and passionate individuals inspires him to continually hone his craft and push the boundaries of his writing. Outside of his professional pursuits, Peter is an avid reader and a lifelong learner. He enjoys exploring new ideas, delving into diverse genres of literature, and staying abreast of developments in science and art. His curiosity and enthusiasm for learning are reflected in his writing, where he strives to bring fresh insights and a nuanced understanding to his readers. Peter's story is one of dedication, versatility, and a deep-seated love for both marketing and writing. His contributions to LifeScienceArt.com not only enrich the site's content but also underscore the importance of passion and collaboration in creating meaningful and impactful work.