August 19, 2026
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Explore controversy during the women’s suffrage movement in Louisiana through a peak into historic newspapers.
19th Amendment: Examining the Women's Suffrage Movement in Louisiana through Historic Newspapers
Jillian Oliver
Jillian is a New Orleans-based library associate, writer, and movie-lover. When she's not working, she likes to read creative nonfiction, and write for various film sites.
The 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guaranteed women the right to vote in all states. The amendment was passed by congress on June 4, 1919 and ratified on August 18th, 1920. Leading up to its ratification, women began organizing in the 1800s to advocate for the vote, with suffragists like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Ida B. Wells leading the cause.
Louisiana’s local suffragists included Sylvanie Williams, an African American woman who created the Phyllis Wheatley Club, an affiliate of the NAACP that advocated for the political rights of all women; and Kate Gordon, an advocate for women’s suffrage who opposed the 19th Amendment. Given substantial opposition, Louisiana would not ratify the 19th Amendment until June 11, 1970. The following newspaper clippings represent important primary sources that demonstrate local controversies surrounding the 19th Amendment, emphasizing the stubborn white supremacy that impeded its progress.
New Orleans States-Item on May 3, 1920
New Orleans judge Mark M. Boatner commented on the opposition to the 19th Amendment, acknowledging that the central concern was the enfranchisement of African Americans. But Boatner believed this was already accomplished by the 15th Amendment, thereby nullifying the argument.
New Orleans States-Item, June 3, 1920
This June 3, 1920 clipping from New Orleans States-Item shows the opposition to the 19th Amendment by suffragists. Local leaders like Kate Gordon were in favor of white women voting, but opposed the federal amendment under the pretense that it would violate state sovereignty.
Times-Picayune, May 6, 1920
Anne Pleasant was the first lady of Louisiana Between 1916 and 1920. Although she claimed to believe in women’s suffrage, she was among those who were against a federal law. She believed voting rights should be a state matter. On May 6, 1920, just months before the 19th Amendment was ratified, The Times-Picayune ran this article about Mrs. Pleasant’s leadership against the federal amendment, siding with those who wanted suffrage for white women to be decided by the states.
New Orleans States-Item, April 19, 1920
This New Orleans States-Item article from April 19, 1920 shows the racial turmoil behind voting rights in Louisiana. The article presents Governor Pleasant’s concerns about the 19th Amendment giving Black women the right to vote on equal terms with white men and women.
Times-Picayune, Aug. 29, 1920
On August 29, 1920, the Times-Picayune ran a report on state approval of the 19th Amendment, showing Wisconsin and Michigan as the first to approve. Louisiana was not among the 36 states that approved.
New Orleans States-Item, Nov. 15, 1920
On November 15, 1920, the New Orleans States-Item published the story of Margaret Newburgh, a Minnesota woman who was considered to be the first to vote under the 19th Amendment.
New Orleans States-Item, Aug, 18th, 1920
This New Orleans States-Item article from August 18th, 1920 reports the racial demographics in Louisiana afforded the right to vote under the newly ratified amendment. The article hints at the fear that white supremacy would be challenged in Louisiana by the added African American votes.
Reading Recommendations
See below for a selection of children’s books to learn more about the history of women’s right to vote, as curated by Sydney Zifodya, a youth programming library associate at the New Orleans Public Library.
Take & Make Craft Kits
August’s Take & Make Craft Kit honors the anniversary of women’s right to vote in federal elections in the United States of America, with a craft celebrating the National Women’s Party flag.
Pick up a craft kit for children to take and make at home. All Library locations have a limited number of craft kits containing an instruction sheet and items to create a craft. New crafts are available on the first Monday of each month. Additional supplies may be required and will be noted on the instruction sheet.
Sponsored by the Library Foundation of New Orleans.
Share your creations with us by tagging our social accounts @nolalibrary or email impact@nolalibrary.org.
Accessing Historic Newspapers
A New Orleans Public Library card unlocks access to thousands of articles from historic newspapers, from local and national sources. Find more information here: Magazines & Newspapers
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