Historic suffrage journey brought back to Yuma

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - A piece of women's history rolled through Yuma today as the "Driving the Vote for Equality" tour stopped at the Yuma Main Library.

The event honors a 1916 cross-country journey by suffragists Alice Burke and Nell Richardson, who traveled the nation in a Saxon motorcar advocating for women's right to vote. Their trip lasted just under six-months and took them across the country, all in the name of activism.

A tour member shared the story of Burke and Richardson's journey, highlighting the challenges they faced along the way. Including traveling through the desert and making a stop in Yuma more than a century ago.

“Knowing that the ladies in 1916 came to Yuma. And okay, they had a little bit of trouble in the desert," Jeryl Schriever, a tour member said. "It’s just, I can picture them here and have so much respect for them.”

Yuma City Councilmember Karen Watts also spoke at the event and was recognized for her continued efforts to advance equality, including her support of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Organizers say the tour is not only about remembering history, but also about inspiring continued advocacy today. They hope events like this encourage communities across the country to stay engaged in the ongoing push for equal rights.