KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (March 15, 2022) – The Suffrage Coalition will host a historic Suffrage Parade in downtown Knoxville on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 5 PM. This one-time event was planned for 2020, which was the centennial of the ratification of the 19th amendment. A worldwide pandemic delayed the celebration to this year, only to be presented bigger and better on the 102nd anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
The 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920 and prohibits states from denying the right to vote based on sex. Tennessee was the final, necessary state for the amendment to become law.
After a deadlock in the Tennessee General Assembly, the tie was broken by State Representative Harry T. Burn who changed his mind upon the encouragement of his mother Febb Ensminger Burn.
Groups are welcome to participate in the parade and the community, especially those who believe in every citizen’s right to vote, is invited to attend this important event that honors women and America.
Participants are encouraged to wear period attire such as hats, dresses, suits, and other
related items. Items such as banners, sashes, buttons and pins will be available for specified
donations. Live animals are not allowed. Line-up will take place between 3-3:30 PM. The release form and parade instructions are available here.
The Febb Burn 2022 Banquet and Fundraiser
A banquet to honor Febb Burn, activist and mother of TN State Rep. Harry Burn, is planned to be outdoors on May 24 at 5:30-9:30 pm, at Marble Hall and Pavillion at Lakeshore Park under a tent to safely gather. At this point entertainment and confirmed participants include a social hour, dinner, an art show, auction, re-enactors, music and more to come. A highlight of the event will be a re-enactment of the volatile, fiery 1920s Tennessee Senate Debate on the Woman Suffrage Amendment. Space is limited. Reservations can be made here.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at suffragecoalition.org
ABOUT: The Suffrage Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the
preservation of the history of woman’s suffrage through events, stories, photos, artifacts, and memorabilia. The organization erected the Tennessee Woman’s Suffrage Memorial at Market Square and the nearby Burn Memorial.
For more information about The Suffrage Coalition, click here Suffrage Coalition.