Barbara Robison's Blog
April 7, 2021
Give a Salute! It's National Library Week
National Library Week is April 4 to 10. Why not thank your local library and librarians for all they do to better your community? It may be a bit more difficult because of COVID-19, but most libraries have some programs going now.
From the grand main libraries of New York and Los Angeles to the small local libraries and even the mobile ones that volunteers manage, libraries are one of the backbones of America.
Think of the many programs libraries provide, besides an array of books, videos and other publications. They offer tools for communication, research and study, as well as a variety of educational classes for people of all ages. Their children's programs are known throughout the cities. Some librarians will provide speeches for local organization meetings. Book clubs are usually available for study, discussions and critiques. Libraries often provide book kits for local book clubs.
My historical fiction Victory with Valor provides an excellent book club publication. Readers can enjoy the exciting story of Carrie Chapman Catt's life as she marches foreword with the suffragists to victory, getting the vote for women. At the same time, they can learn about how a constitutional amendment is passed, and then must be ratified by the individual states. They see political infighting, as we have today, and how voters are divided on a major societal issue.
From the grand main libraries of New York and Los Angeles to the small local libraries and even the mobile ones that volunteers manage, libraries are one of the backbones of America.
Think of the many programs libraries provide, besides an array of books, videos and other publications. They offer tools for communication, research and study, as well as a variety of educational classes for people of all ages. Their children's programs are known throughout the cities. Some librarians will provide speeches for local organization meetings. Book clubs are usually available for study, discussions and critiques. Libraries often provide book kits for local book clubs.
My historical fiction Victory with Valor provides an excellent book club publication. Readers can enjoy the exciting story of Carrie Chapman Catt's life as she marches foreword with the suffragists to victory, getting the vote for women. At the same time, they can learn about how a constitutional amendment is passed, and then must be ratified by the individual states. They see political infighting, as we have today, and how voters are divided on a major societal issue.
March 24, 2021
Historical Women's Fiction Provides Excellent Book Club Discussions
Book club meetings by Zoom are here. I was pleased to recently be invited to attend a book club Zoom meeting. They were discussing my new book, Victory with Valor: Women's Suffrage in America. On my website, Barbara.Robison.com, and on the Amazon Author Page a number of discussion points for the book are offered.
Of special interest to the members was the relationship of Carrie Chapman Catt, whose life inspired the book, and her husband George Catt. One woman commented, "Carrie was ahead of her time. Her relationship seems more contemporary, with both husband and wife having careers involving travel and deep commitment, but still they had a strong love for each other.
The rise of a young farm girl to a place of national and international prominence was also discussed. A club member is purchasing books as gifts for her granddaughters. She felt they would be inspired by the hard work of Carrie and her suffrage companions to obtain the vote for women.
Race relations and immigration are major points in the book, as the reader sees Carrie mature from her small-town background to develop a global perspective through the years. Many at the meeting commented that they learned a great deal about the ins and outs of politics, and how difficult it is to amend the U.S. Constitution.
The club enjoyed the book enough that they purchased books for a book club kit to be distributed by the local library to other book clubs in the area.
If you are a book club member you, too, will find Victory with Valor an interesting read, with good discussion material provided. An independent internet reviewer for Hidden Gems wrote, "This tale follows one woman fighting for the rights of women in America. It is a strong and powerful read." She awarded the book 5 stars.
Victory with Valor makes a thought-provoking book club choice. It is the perfect gift for any aspiring, strong women and young adults in your life!
Of special interest to the members was the relationship of Carrie Chapman Catt, whose life inspired the book, and her husband George Catt. One woman commented, "Carrie was ahead of her time. Her relationship seems more contemporary, with both husband and wife having careers involving travel and deep commitment, but still they had a strong love for each other.
The rise of a young farm girl to a place of national and international prominence was also discussed. A club member is purchasing books as gifts for her granddaughters. She felt they would be inspired by the hard work of Carrie and her suffrage companions to obtain the vote for women.
Race relations and immigration are major points in the book, as the reader sees Carrie mature from her small-town background to develop a global perspective through the years. Many at the meeting commented that they learned a great deal about the ins and outs of politics, and how difficult it is to amend the U.S. Constitution.
The club enjoyed the book enough that they purchased books for a book club kit to be distributed by the local library to other book clubs in the area.
If you are a book club member you, too, will find Victory with Valor an interesting read, with good discussion material provided. An independent internet reviewer for Hidden Gems wrote, "This tale follows one woman fighting for the rights of women in America. It is a strong and powerful read." She awarded the book 5 stars.
Victory with Valor makes a thought-provoking book club choice. It is the perfect gift for any aspiring, strong women and young adults in your life!
March 19, 2021
Celebrate March is Women's History Month
What better way to recognize Women's History Month than by learning more about the suffragists who won us the right to vote? The historical novel Victory with Valor brings to life the story of Carrie Chapman Catt and her suffrage associates. It tells how smart, brave energetic women were committed to getting women the right to vote 100 years ago.
The fight for the vote continued for decades, until August 26, 1920. Thousands of women across America worked to be able to vote for their choice as president. Today, 100 years later, a woman, Kamala Harris, serves as Vice President of the United States.
If you have heard of an interesting story about an active suffragist in your family or a family friend I'd like to hear about her. She might have marched in the rain at the Republican National Convention in Chicago, helped Colorado ratify its state suffrage bill, or attended the national parade in Washington, D.C., which turned into such a disaster. Or, you may have heard of a family man who joined the ladies in their fight for the vote more than 100 years ago. Like Frederick Douglas, the famous black man who joined the early suffragists at their first meeting in Seneca Falls, New York in 1848.
It would be fun to share some stories with my readers as I did in my book, Victory with Valor. Too often we forget those that have come before us, who provided so many wonderful improvements for the lives we enjoy today.
The fight for the vote continued for decades, until August 26, 1920. Thousands of women across America worked to be able to vote for their choice as president. Today, 100 years later, a woman, Kamala Harris, serves as Vice President of the United States.
If you have heard of an interesting story about an active suffragist in your family or a family friend I'd like to hear about her. She might have marched in the rain at the Republican National Convention in Chicago, helped Colorado ratify its state suffrage bill, or attended the national parade in Washington, D.C., which turned into such a disaster. Or, you may have heard of a family man who joined the ladies in their fight for the vote more than 100 years ago. Like Frederick Douglas, the famous black man who joined the early suffragists at their first meeting in Seneca Falls, New York in 1848.
It would be fun to share some stories with my readers as I did in my book, Victory with Valor. Too often we forget those that have come before us, who provided so many wonderful improvements for the lives we enjoy today.
February 4, 2021
Mary Church Terrell, a leading Black suffragist
Attractive, charming Mary Church Terrell, an African American, was recognized as a leading social activist and suffragist in the late 1800s and early 1900s. She earned a bachelor's degree in the Classics in 1884 from Oberlin College in Ohio. She earned her master's degree in education four years later, one of the first two Black women to earn a M.A. degree. She taught school and became a school superintendent. She left that job to study in Europe for two years, becoming fluent in French, German and Italian. Mary returned to America as a journalist, becoming socially active, focusing on the empowerment of Black women. She met Frederick Douglass, a leading Black civil rights activist and worked with him on several campaigns, including anti-lynching.
Her husband, attorney Robert Terrell, was Washington, D.C.'s first Black municipal judge. The couple lived in Washington and Mary became the first president of the National Association of Colored Women. Among the organization's accomplishments were the creation of day nurseries and kindergartens for Black children. Mary also founded the National Association of College Women, which later was renamed the National Association of University Women.
As an Oberlin student, Mary was active in suffrage activities. Later she supported the National American Woman Suffrage Association and women having the right to vote. She was a friend of Susan B. Anthony, president of the Association, and developed a friendship with Carrie Chapman Catt, which continued for decades.
Mary spoke at some of the Suffrage Association meetings. Most members were very impressed with her talks. However, some members were reluctant to include African American women in their activities and she spoke out about that.
Today, the Terrell home in Washington, D.C. has been named a National Historic Landmark.
Her husband, attorney Robert Terrell, was Washington, D.C.'s first Black municipal judge. The couple lived in Washington and Mary became the first president of the National Association of Colored Women. Among the organization's accomplishments were the creation of day nurseries and kindergartens for Black children. Mary also founded the National Association of College Women, which later was renamed the National Association of University Women.
As an Oberlin student, Mary was active in suffrage activities. Later she supported the National American Woman Suffrage Association and women having the right to vote. She was a friend of Susan B. Anthony, president of the Association, and developed a friendship with Carrie Chapman Catt, which continued for decades.
Mary spoke at some of the Suffrage Association meetings. Most members were very impressed with her talks. However, some members were reluctant to include African American women in their activities and she spoke out about that.
Today, the Terrell home in Washington, D.C. has been named a National Historic Landmark.
November 14, 2020
Victory with Valor in eBook format has arrived !
The new historical novel Victory with Valor by Barbara Robison in eBook format is here. Order your copy now.
Victory with Valor is a historical novel inspired by the life of Carrie Chapman Catt, the remarkable leader of the woman suffrage movement in America. Courage, grass roots strategy and commitment by Carrie Chapman Catt and her fellow suffragists gave American women the right to vote in 1920.
Many book clubs throughout the country are meeting on Zoom or other such means due to the coronavirus concerns. Victory with Valor provides an excellent book for book club discussions. Suggested questions for a book club meeting are available on this web site.
Victory with Valor is a historical novel inspired by the life of Carrie Chapman Catt, the remarkable leader of the woman suffrage movement in America. Courage, grass roots strategy and commitment by Carrie Chapman Catt and her fellow suffragists gave American women the right to vote in 1920.
Many book clubs throughout the country are meeting on Zoom or other such means due to the coronavirus concerns. Victory with Valor provides an excellent book for book club discussions. Suggested questions for a book club meeting are available on this web site.
October 10, 2020
Mary Church Terrell, a leading Black suffragist
Attractive, charming Mary Church Terrell, an African American, was recognized as a leading social activist and suffragist in the late 1800s and early 1900s. She earned a bachelor's degree in the Classics in 1884 from Oberlin College in Ohio. She earned her master's degree in education four years later, one of the first two Black women to earn a M.A. degree. She taught school and became a school superintendent. She left that job to study in Europe for two years, becoming fluent in French, German and Italian. Mary returned to America as a journalist, becoming socially active, focusing on the empowerment of Black women. She met Frederick Douglass, a leading Black civil rights activist and worked with him on several campaigns, including anti-lynching.
Her husband, attorney Robert Terrell, was Washington, D.C.'s first Black municipal judge. The couple lived in Washington and Mary became the first president of the National Association of Colored Women. Among the organization's accomplishments were the creation of day nurseries and kindergartens for Black children. Mary also founded the National Association of College Women, which later was renamed the National Association of University Women.
As an Oberlin student, Mary was active in suffrage activities. Later she supported the National American Woman Suffrage Association and women having the right to vote. She was a friend of Susan B. Anthony, president of the Association, and developed a friendship with Carrie Chapman Catt, which continued for decades.
Mary spoke at some of the Suffrage Association meetings. Most members were very impressed with her talks. However, some members were reluctant to include African American women in their activities and she spoke out about that.
Today, the Terrell home in Washington, D.C. has been named a National Historic Landmark.
Her husband, attorney Robert Terrell, was Washington, D.C.'s first Black municipal judge. The couple lived in Washington and Mary became the first president of the National Association of Colored Women. Among the organization's accomplishments were the creation of day nurseries and kindergartens for Black children. Mary also founded the National Association of College Women, which later was renamed the National Association of University Women.
As an Oberlin student, Mary was active in suffrage activities. Later she supported the National American Woman Suffrage Association and women having the right to vote. She was a friend of Susan B. Anthony, president of the Association, and developed a friendship with Carrie Chapman Catt, which continued for decades.
Mary spoke at some of the Suffrage Association meetings. Most members were very impressed with her talks. However, some members were reluctant to include African American women in their activities and she spoke out about that.
Today, the Terrell home in Washington, D.C. has been named a National Historic Landmark.
July 4, 2020
Iowa State University features Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics
Carrie Chapman Catt, who led the National American Woman Suffrage Association when women won the right to vote, attended Iowa State Agricultural College in Ames, Iowa. She received a Bachelor of Science degree and was the only woman graduate in the class of 1880. She was an activist for women on campus , helping establish the Ladies Military Company, a drill and fitness group, and the Crescent Literary Society, providing girl students a place to speak for themselves.
Later the college became Iowa State University and, to honor Carrie, in 1992 founded the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics. Its mission is to interest, educate and engage citizens in the political process.
The Center offers leadership development and mentoring to students interested in politics, public service and women's issues. It fosters research on issues related to women and politics. It offers lectures, programs and seminars featuring prominent women leaders, national and international scholars. It encourages women and men to pursue careers in politics, public administration and public service through a special training program.
To learn more about the cattcenter.iastate.eduCarrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics visit the website. Find more information about the scholarships and training programs offered.
Later the college became Iowa State University and, to honor Carrie, in 1992 founded the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics. Its mission is to interest, educate and engage citizens in the political process.
The Center offers leadership development and mentoring to students interested in politics, public service and women's issues. It fosters research on issues related to women and politics. It offers lectures, programs and seminars featuring prominent women leaders, national and international scholars. It encourages women and men to pursue careers in politics, public administration and public service through a special training program.
To learn more about the cattcenter.iastate.eduCarrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics visit the website. Find more information about the scholarships and training programs offered.
July 1, 2020
Antoinette Dakin Leach was an Indiana trailblazer
Back in 1893, Antoinette Dakin Leach of Indiana was the first woman to challenge bar admission denial based on gender. Leach's lawyers argued in front of the Indiana Supreme Court. They argued that even though a woman couldn't vote, if a woman was otherwise qualified, she should be admitted to practice law. Despite the fact that female admission to the bar was approved, male lawyers did not agree with the decision. She was not admitted to the Indiana State Bar Association until 1909.Antoinette was the first lawyer to submit typewritten filings to the court instead of handwritten writings, thus embracing modern technology. She became an active suffragist, urging people to give women the right to vote.
To recognize the accomplishments of female attorneys in central Indiana the Indianapolis Bar Association's Women & Law Division established the Antoinette Dakin Leach Award. It aims to encourage today's women in the pursuit of this honorable profession. The award, begun in 1990, named Judge Heather Welch as the 2019 recipient of the award. Judge Walton Pratt, a former recipient of the award, made opening remarks regarding Judge Welch and how she had been a trailblazer for other female attorneys.
June 24, 2020
First Lady Melania Trump helps launch artwork project to promote 100th Anniversary of women's suffrage
First Lady Melania Trump announced a children's artwork project to celebrate the 19th Amendment's 100th Anniversary, which gave American women the right to vote. She feels it is important to include children in discussions to learn more about all the women did to achieve their goal of voting. They lobbied, marched, protested and worked for decades throughout America on why they should have equality. Especially with the recent equality problems in the country she feels children should learn more about such things as how women went about gaining greater rights.The exhibit is presented by the Office of the Curator in partnership with the Office of First Lady. The contest is open to children in grades 3-12, and one artwork from each of the 50 U.S. states plus the territories will be selected for the exhibit in August. All applicants will receive a thank you note signed by the First Lady. Artwork should be based on Suffragists, Suffrage Symbols or Suffrage Events and a 300-character statement on how the artwork represents women's suffrage should be included.
For specifics about the contest please visit the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission website. All submissions must be received by 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday, July 6, 2020.
The Dinner Party at the Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, New York, has featured a monumental work of art, The Dinner Party by Judy Chicago. It is a triangular table. divided into three wings, each forty-eight feet long, located in the Elizabeth Sackler Center for Feminist Art. The table represents 1,038 women in history, 39 depicted by individual place settings. Susan B. Anthony, the famous leader of the woman suffrage movement, is one of the place settings. Each place setting includes a unique runner, a chalice, napkin and utensils.
The other 999 names are inscribed in the Heritage Floor, on which the table rests. Included among those names are suffragists such as Aletta Jacobs, Alice Stone Blackwell, Carrie Chapman Catt and Mary Church Terrell. Georgia O'Keefe is in the Third Wing of the table, symbolizing women's increased individual creative expression.
To learn more about the interesting table and the many women it represents visit the Brooklyn Museum website.
