African American Women in the Parade
Although women’s suffrage is a movement that supports equality and change, racism persisted within its organizations and events. The National American Woman Suffrage Association, which helped organize the 1913 women’s parade, denied membership to black women in multiple states. These women had to struggle to gain a place in the 1913 parade.
Picture of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, The University of Chicago
At first, black women were ordered to march in the back. Several protests broke out, allowing most of them to march alongside white women. However, some women were still forced to march in the back despite the protests. Ida B. Wells-Barnett was among these women. White suffrage leaders asked Ida to leave the Illinois group and join the back. In a brave and inspiring act, Ida left the procession and waited alongside the avenue. She and two white suffragettes stepped in front of the Illinois group and continued to march.
Quote from Ida B. Wells-Barnett (qtd. in Brown)
"I felt that one had better die fighting against injustice than to die like a dog or a rat in a trap."
~ Ida B. Wells-Barnett