One hundred years ago, women wearing yellow roses stood shoulder to shoulder in Tennessee awaiting the roll call of men that would cast their votes for or against a woman’s right to a voice in government. The bright flower was an outward symbol of their expression to gain equal representation. After decades of untold risk, through oppression, brutality, incarceration, and even starvation, women fought, seemingly insurmountable odds, at the local, state and national level to gain the right to be a part of the Democratic process.

To commemorate this vote, we (Frances Jakubek and Meg Griffiths) invited over one hundred women across the United States to join in a photographic collaboration, A Yellow Rose Project. These photographers were asked to make work in response, reflection, or reaction to the ratification of the 19th Amendment. From inception, the goal of this project was to provide a focal point and platform for image makers to share contemporary viewpoints as we approach the centennial of this event, to gain a deeper understanding of American history and culture, to build a bridge from the past to the present and future.

Though the suffragette movement granted rights to some women, and this achievement in itself is to be acknowledged and celebrated, the struggle did not end there. It was not until much later that all American women, regardless of race, were given the same privilege. Due to state laws and prohibitive policies, many women of color were unable to exercise their rights even given this momentous event. 

In light of these facts, we look back upon this part of our history from various perspectives, inviting both a critical eye as well as one that sees how far we have come. Lisa Tetrault, author of The Myth of Seneca Falls: Memory and the Women’s Movement, wrote “what we remember, what we forget, matters” that in looking back, even upon remarkable as well as troubled history, “we must be thoughtful” in the present. In this moment in time we are meant to honor the historical significance of events such as these, as well as reexamine the narratives that have been shared, creators of our own culture, to shape how we tell and share our history as women. 

A Yellow Rose Project is on view at Colorado Photographic Arts Center through November 21.  

Visit www.ayellowroseproject.com for the full artist roster and collection of work made in response to this anniversary. Follow @ayellowroseproject on Instagram.