84th Legislative Session
Aug 23, 2016
Volume 9 Issue 84
Texas
Women's Equality
Day 2016
Lyndon B. Johnson Day:
LBJ's Birthday
Women's Equality Day is a day proclaimed each year by the
United States President to commemorate the passage of
the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting the right to vote to
women. the amendment was first introduced in 1878, but
it wasn’t until 1971 that the U.S. Congress designated
August 26th as Women's Equality Day and that official
anniversary of national woman suffrage. The certification
of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was a
culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement
by women, with its formal beginnings taking place at the
world's first women's rights convention in Seneca Falls,
New York.
Fondly referred to as “LBJ,” President Johnson was born in
a small farmhouse in Stonewall, Texas on Aug. 27, 1908.
Inaugurated as the 36th president of the United States,
Johnson proudly served his country from November 22,
1963 – January 20, 1969. After the culmination of his
presidency, LBJ returned to his beloved Texas. He was
deeply attached to Texas and his heritage. Johnson had
long before purchased the land surrounding his birth place
and had converted the land into the legendary LBJ Ranch:
“The Texas Whitehouse.”
"August 26th marks the women's suffrage movement's
greatest victory -- breaking down the barriers that stood
between them and the ballot box. This day has become a
symbol of women's fight for equal rights and
opportunities in areas such as employment and
education, and a testament to the support that the United
States has for those efforts. Women today continue to
draw on the history of the many brave and determined
female activists who helped achieve full voting rights
women in this country. As we celebrate 96 years since the
certification of the 19th Amendment, let us demonstrate
our commitment to the belief that we are all entitled to
equal treatment by supporting policies that help women
thrive and succeed!" stated Rep. Roberto R. Alonzo
The observance of Women's Equality day not only
commemorates the anniversary of women's suffrage, but
also raise awareness of women's continuing efforts
toward fully quality in all social and personal realms.
Workplaces, libraries, organizations and public facilities
now participate in Women's Equality Day programs,
displays, video showings, and other activities.
During his administration, President Johnson strove to
make America a “Great Society” for every American; his
agenda embodied his personal experiences as he desired
for every American to be able to benefit from America’s
rich history and abundant opportunities. Under the
leadership of President Johnson, Congress passed some of
the most effective laws to date: 1964 and 1968 Civil Rights
Acts, the Medicare and Medicaid Acts, and the Voting
Rights Act.
After Johnson died on January 22, 1973, the Texas State
Legislature created a holiday to be observed every year on
August 27th in his honor. Throughout the state, an array
of programs, events, festivities, and parades are held to
honor the life and legacy of Lyndon Baines Johnson.
Rep. Roberto Alonzo
with Mayor Pro Tem
Monica Alonzo,
Sylvana Alonzo, and
stand-up comedian
Cristela Alonzo at
recent show in Dallas
For more information concerning these topics or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 463-0408 or visit www.house.state.tx.us