FCSW Commissioner Dr. Mona Jain at Manatee County Women's Equality Celebration

In celebration of Women’s Equality Day, the Manatee Commission on the Status of Women and the League of Women Voters of Manatee County brought together women and men from the community to mark the 86th Anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.

FCSW staff members Michele Manning and Angella Jones attended the 2006 Women’s Equity Celebration, held at the Bradenton Municipal Auditorium in Bradenton, Florida on Saturday, August 19, 2006. FCSW Commissioner Dr. Mona Jain, also in attendance, serves as Honorary Chair Emerita of the Manatee Commission on the Status of Women. With the community gathered together, Bradenton had a tremendous display of resources for women and their families.

The highlight of the celebration was a performance by impersonator Ms. Joan Wolfberg, who portrayed Marjory Stoneman Douglas. The history depicted by Ms. Wolfberg was intriguing, entertaining, and enlightening. It underscored Ms. Stoneman-Douglas’ accomplishments and struggles through her lifetime. Ms. Stoneman-Douglas’ work to preserve the Florida Everglades was ultimately recognized in 1986 with her induction into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame.

On behalf of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, Commissioner Dr. Mona Jain, welcomed all the participants to the celebration and read Governor Bush’s proclamation announcing Women’s Equality Day 2007.The Commission was honored to receive a plaque from the Manatee Commission on the Status of Women and the League of Women Voters of Manatee County for its ongoing support of Women’s Equality Day.

The event, attended by more than 500 people, left participants empowered and reminded all of the dedication of the suffragist who obtained the right to vote for women. This day of recognition serves as a reminder to all Americans of women's continued effort to gain full equality in the United States.

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women encourages everyone to celebrate Women's Equality Day by taking advantage of the rights that the suffragists fought for – register and VOTE this November.