Melania Trump Unveils Student Art Exhibit On Women's Suffrage

First Lady Melania Trump unveiled a new “Building the Movement” exhibit on the White House’s North Lawn on Monday, honoring the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in the United States with student artwork across the country.

“Throughout this exhibit you will see historic photographs woven into the artwork, bringing the exhibit to life through the unique lens of our children. Each image and drawing depicts the marches, the symbols, and the inspiring women who tirelessly fought and struggled for equality in our nation’s history,” Melania said unveiling the exhibit on Pennsylvania Avenue outside the White House. “It is these women and their brave actions that have provided strength and inspiration to so many mothers, daughters, and sisters who have stamped their own mark on our country, ensuring future generations of women have the ability to pursue their dreams.”

Melania called the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution that granted women voting rights a “turning point” in the history of the women’s rights movement.

“The ratification of the 19th Amendment and women’s right to vote was a turning point in the history of women’s rights in the United States and stood as an example to the world,” Melania said. “We, as women, must continue using our greatest tool of empowerment – our voices. Now in 2020, the American woman’s voice is more important than ever. Our Nation is depending on each of you. I encourage you all to vote so that we may continue to build the brightest future for all of our children.”

Joined by 30 young artists whose artworks were selected to represent their own home state in the “Building The Movement” exhibit, Melania stated the art exhibit is intended to be a “platform for parents to engage with their children about the important conversation taking place around equality, giving young people an opportunity to learn and understand the history of the women’s suffrage movement.”

Other attendees included her chief of staff Stephanie Grisham, Second Lady Karen Pence and female Trump Administration officials including, Senior Counselor to the President, Kellyanne Conway, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, and Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza joined the First Lady in the launch of the art exhibit.

Melania cited her husband, President Trump, and his administration for taking “historic measures to empower and support women in the United States.”

“Under our administration, the child tax credit has been doubled. American women, who comprise over half of the workforce, experienced their lowest rate of unemployment in over 65 years. In addition to these achievements, this administration has filled many of its senior positions with women,” Melania said.

Last week, Melania joined the president at a ceremony in the White House to sign a proclamation marking the centennial, where Trump granted a full pardon posthumously to Susan B. Anthony, a women’s suffragist icon who was arrested after violating male-only voting laws in 1872.

Today we honored the 100th Anniversary of the Ratification of the #19thAmendment by opening the #BuildingtheMovement youth art exhibit. I was moved talking to some of the young artists about the women suffrage movement & the inspiration behind their talented artwork! #BeBest pic.twitter.com/R6s9s1IKG4
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) August 24, 2020

The First Lady announced the art project in June, calling for children from grades 3rd to 12th to submit artwork focusing on depicting events representing the women’s suffrage movement. Over 450 artworks from children in all 50 states and the District of Columbia were submitted in which Melania, the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission, and the White House curator’s office chose the winners.

To view the winning submissions, check it out here: https://www.womensvote100.org/buildingthemovement