In 1920, the Tennessee legislature cast the tie breaking vote to ratify the 19th Amendment to the constitution– a historic moment that granted women the right to vote in this country. While this still did not give all women the right to vote, it did open a door that ultimately led to guarantee this important right to every citizen regardless of gender or race. On that day 100 years ago, cities across the country rang their bells in celebration, but Nashville did not.

On August 18, 2020 Belmont University joined the Nashville Public Library and countless other universities, churches and organizations across the city to break this silence by ringing bells 100 times in celebration of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage.

The events kicked off Belmont’s Debate-related programming for the semester with two other events to follow. In an email to campus, Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher said, “I can think of no better way to start our fall semester than with such a unifying moment, especially considering that Belmont will be hosting the third and final Presidential Debate just 11 days before Election Day. I hope you will join us in whatever way you can.”

Read more about the celebration at Belmont Rings the Bells to Celebrate 100 Years of Women’s Right to Vote.