13 year old Cameron McCoy spoke to the League of Women Voters Women’s during their Equality Day Luncheon, at the Inn at 202 Dover on Sunday. The League’s luncheon was attended by some 3 dozen members, including an officer from the State of MD League, Ms. Diana Haskell and her husband. McCoy’s parents and family were in attendance, including his father, Sargent Roy McCoy who was in town briefly on leave from his service as a military officer serving in Afghanistan.
The League’s members were so impressed by a speech that McCoy gave on Frederick Douglass Day, when he presented his award-winning essay, that they invited him to create an essay about voting rights and present it as commemoration of the passage of the 19th amendment, 92 years ago this weekend. Speaking on voting, Cameron McCoy wowed the League with his thoughtful ideas and powerful speaking ability.
The young man, a freshman at Easton High School, said that he “likes to turn simple facts into something beautiful.” He identifies himself as a thinker, a philosopher, an artist, writer, dancer and athlete. An impressive young man, McCoy has more poise and self-confidence than one would expect at age 13. His essay on voting rights is printed in full, below.
“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on the account of sex. Congress shall have the power to enforce this article on appropriate legislation.” The 19th amendment gave women power, relief, and the refreshing freedom that women had miraculously fought for 70 years to achieve. The male only vote in America had finally deceased, and the voices of women were finally heard.
I would first like to idolize and patronize the impenetrable hearts of all American women, present, past, and future. Two women in particular truly express constancy and mental fortitude. These two women exemplified the power and exuberance of American women. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton joined forces to fight for women’s rights. These women were freedom-fueled, action-oriented, and politically minded. Susan B. Anthony was a consistent speaker, averaging 75 to 100 speeches per year. Elizabeth Cady Stanton shared Susan’s powerful speaking ability. Elizabeth’s writing skills were detailed and eloquent, and she worked profusely with Susan B. Anthony as president of the (NWSA) National Women’s Suffrage Association to organize the right for women to vote. These abolitionists had previously fought for the right of women to have a fair share in educational and employment opportunities.
This heart driven movement began in the 1800’s, with women beginning to organize, petition, and picket for their voting rights. Women fought for the right to vote by going on hunger strikes, picketing the White House, and mobilizing state and local suffrage organizations. The 19th amendment was first introduced in 1878, but the perilous path of trials and tribulations for women did not end until August 18, 1920 when the amendment was ratified. This newfound power could not be used until this momentous date, August 26, 1920. On this same date, Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby certified the ratification, and the tension and constraints of prejudice and discrimination eradicated itself from the human mind.
Finally, the bandages of freedom, strength, and heart, healed the deep and salt covered wounds of prejudice and misjudgment. In addition, African Americans shared the continuous struggle for civil and voting rights with the women of America. They first received the right to vote in 1870 with the 15th amendment, but due to most African Americans being illiterate at the time, this led to them failing required literacy tests. African Americans did not truly exercise the right to vote until President Johnson’s Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited significant forms of discrimination against minorities and women.
Voting is our civic duty, and as a citizen it is our job to vote. If we do not vote, our global and economic circumstances could worsen due to the wrong government officials being elected. I would like to say to the young people in our communities, make your voices heard by voting. I deeply understand that some young people have not yet reached the required age to vote, but your voices can still be heard. Be aware and knowledgeable of your history and current political issues. As you grow from the cocoon of childhood into the butterfly of adulthood, I want you to know this: our voices definitely make a difference, no matter where they come from–the “vote” is our voice.
Voting is so important because many have given their lives for the right to vote. No matter how minuscule you believe your voice is, remember that if you commit to your civic duty and vote, our voices will be heard– loud and clear. Before I finish speaking today, I would like to share this simile. America is like a plant, and your vote is like chlorophyll that feeds the plant. Your one gland of chlorophyll may not produce much, but if all the chlorophyll comes together to feed the plant of America, this plant will grow to enormous heights.
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