In 1920, the Tennessee legislature cast the tie breaking vote to ratify the 19th Amendment to the constitution– a historic moment that granted women the right to vote in this country. While this still did not give all women the right to vote, it did open a door that ultimately led to guarantee this important right to every citizen regardless of gender or race. On that day 100 years ago, cities across the country rang their bells in celebration, but Nashville did not.
On August 18, Belmont University joined the Nashville Public Library and countless other universities, churches and organizations across the city to break this silence by ringing bells 100 times in celebration of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage.
The loudest bell at Belmont was the carillon in the Bell Tower, played by Dr. Richard Shadinger, but university employees also stood at the bottom of the tower and on the perimeter streets of campus ringing bells of all kinds and holding signs that echoed signs the suffragists carried over 100 years ago.
The carillon bells were proudly shared in a live video on Belmont’s Instagram account, in addition to many videos of men and women from across the Belmont community explaining why they ring their bells. Dr. Susan West, vice president and chief of staff, offered an introduction during the live video.
“This moment is a chance to recognize and celebrate the fact that in our country every voice – and every vote – matters. I’m hopeful that Belmont students around the country are watching right now, and will keep watching while the Bell Tower rings out. And that you will use this time to reflect on the fact that whoever you are, whether you are male or female, whatever your background or upbringing, whatever the color of your skin – you matter, and your voice matters,” she said. “Thank you for being here today to celebrate the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Allow me to issue a challenge you – the RIGHT to vote means nothing if we don’t exercise that right. Voting in our elections is the best way you can make your voice heard – and your voice matters. If you are not registered to vote, I encourage you visit the website vote.gov and learn how to register today.”
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