Sorority Women Helped Win the Right to Vote—Don’t Let Them Down!
Did you know that a lot of the women who fought for our right to vote were sorority women? Yep, the same women who attended meetings, planned events, and navigated college life were also out there lobbying Congress and marching for the vote. And while we often hear the word suffragette, these women actually called themselves suffragists—because suffragette was originally an insult! But guess what? They took that insult and made history anyway.
Sorority women have always been at the forefront of leadership, and the suffrage movement was no exception. As we gear up for election day, it’s important to remember the critical role these women played in securing the right to vote. They didn’t just fight for their own voices—they fought so that all of us could have a say in shaping our democracy.
Sorority women helped change the course of history and--spoiler alert--there’s still work left for us to do.
The Suffrage Movement’s Early Days
The women's suffrage movement didn't happen overnight (because, of course, nothing worth fighting for is ever that easy). In the mid-1800s, women started pushing for the right to vote, but it wasn't until the early 1900s that the movement took off. Women were fed up with not having a say in the decisions that affected their lives, and they weren’t going to wait around for change any longer.
Sororities, which were founded as spaces for women to support and empower each other, quickly became key players in the movement. As they do now, Greek organizations gave women the skills and networks they needed to step up and take charge. And if you know anything about sorority women, you know they ran with it!
Sorority Women on the Frontlines of the Fight
Some of the most important suffragists were also proud sorority sisters. These women knew how to organize, mobilize, and fight for what they believed in—and they didn’t hold back.
- Carrie Lane Chapman Catt (Pi Beta Phi): Catt was a powerhouse in the suffrage movement. As president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), she led the final campaign for the 19th Amendment and went on to found the League of Women Voters. When you vote today, you owe a lot to Catt’s tireless work. Pictured right wearing her Pi Beta Phi arrow pin.
- Reverend Doctor Anna Howard Shaw (Kappa Alpha Theta): Shaw was a force to be reckoned with. As one of the top leaders of NAWSA, she traveled the country, giving speeches and rallying women to the cause. And because sorority women are well-rounded, she was also a physician and a minister.
- Osceola Adams and Ethel Cuff Black (Founding members of Delta Sigma Theta): These incredible women weren’t just fighting for their own rights—they were fighting for the rights of all women, especially Black women. In 1913, they led their fellow sorority sisters in the Women’s Suffrage Parade in Washington, D.C., standing up for voting equality at a time when Black women were often excluded from the broader movement. Their impact? Immense.
- Ada Comstock Notestein (Delta Gamma): Notestein was all about empowering women through education, but she was also a staunch advocate for women's right to vote. She believed that educated women could (and should) use their voices to shape public policy. You can thank her for helping pave the way for politically engaged women everywhere.
NPHC Sororities: The Backbone of Voting Equality
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) sororities—especially Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA)—were at the forefront of both the suffrage movement and the fight for civil rights. Black women were often sidelined in the mainstream suffrage movement (remind anyone of the #MeToo movement??), but that didn’t stop NPHC sorority women from taking action.
Delta Sigma Theta’s participation in the 1913 Women’s Suffrage Parade is legendary, as they stood tall in the face of racial discrimination. They weren't just advocating for the right to vote for women in general—they were specifically fighting for Black women's right to vote, which was still being suppressed even after the 19th Amendment was passed.
Alpha Kappa Alpha, founded in 1908, also played a huge role in voter registration efforts and political activism. These sororities understood that voting was about more than just checking a box—it was about having real power. And they worked to ensure that their communities had access to that power.
The 19th Amendment: A Victory with Some Caveats
When the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920, it was a monumental win for women across the country—or at least for some women. White women gained the right to vote, but many women of color, particularly Black, Native American, and immigrant women, were still blocked from the polls through voter suppression tactics like literacy tests and intimidation. The fight wasn’t over.
In the decades following, Black sorority women, including members of Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha, kept up the fight. They worked to dismantle the barriers that kept women of color from exercising their rights, leading voter registration drives and advocating for civil rights. Their work paved the way for landmark legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which sought to eliminate these forms of discrimination.
Why Voting Still Matters (Seriously, It Does)
So, why does all of this matter today? Because the power of the vote is just as important now as it was in 1920. Voting isn’t just about who gets elected (though that’s important, too). It’s about shaping the future of this country. Issues like healthcare, education, reproductive rights, and racial justice are all on the ballot, and your vote is your voice in those decisions.
And while it might be easy to think that voter suppression is a thing of the past, it’s not. We’re still seeing efforts to limit access to the polls through gerrymandering, ID laws, and the closure of polling places in marginalized communities. Sound familiar? It should—because it’s the same fight sorority women were engaged in over 100 years ago.
When you vote, you’re not just voting for yourself. You’re voting for the generations of women who came before you, who fought for the right to have their voices heard. And you’re voting for the future, for the women who will come after us, who will face new challenges and continue the work we’ve started.
How Sororities Honor the Legacy Today
Sororities—whether part of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), or other Greek organizations—still carry the torch for civic engagement and voter advocacy. These organizations, built on the principles of leadership, service, and activism, continue to champion the cause of equal representation at the polls.
NPHC sororities, like Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha, have long been at the forefront of voter registration drives, advocating for voting rights, and empowering their communities to get involved. These efforts aren’t new—they’re a continuation of the fight for racial and gender equality that began over a century ago. Whether it’s knocking on doors, providing transportation to polling places, or organizing educational campaigns, these sororities are dedicated to ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard.
NPC sororities are equally committed to the cause. Many, like Pi Beta Phi, Kappa Alpha Theta, and others, regularly host events focused on civic engagement and voter education. From partnering with national organizations like the League of Women Voters to running awareness campaigns on college campuses, these sororities are helping to ensure that the next generation of voters is informed and ready to make a difference.
The legacy of sorority women in the suffrage movement is alive and well today. Across the country, sorority chapters are stepping up to promote the same values of empowerment, leadership, and civic responsibility that their founders fought for. Whether it’s through advocating for voting rights, working on political campaigns, or simply encouraging their sisters to show up at the polls, sororities are making sure the fight for equality continues.
2024 Election
As election day approaches, let’s take a moment to honor the sorority women who helped win the right to vote and continue to inspire us today. Their fight wasn’t easy, and they showed us what it means to be resilient and determined.
So, wherever you are, make a plan to vote on November 5th. Whether you’re mailing in a ballot, voting early, or showing up at your polling place in person, your vote matters. And if you need a little reminder, our original VOTE necklace is the perfect way to honor these trailblazing women. Handmade in NYC, it's crafted from sustainable materials and designed to remind you every day that your voice counts.
Election season is here—let’s get out the vote together. ✨