Freedom Calendar 01/10/09 - 01/17/09

January 10, 1878, U.S. Senator Aaron Sargent (R-CA) introduces Susan B. Anthony amendment for women’s suffrage; Democrat-controlled Senate defeated it 4 times before election of Republican House and Senate guaranteed its approval in 1919. January 11, 2001, Republican Elaine Chao, first Asian-American woman to hold a cabinet position, nominated as U.S. Secretary of Labor.

January 12, 1956, Jewish Republican Simon Sobeloff, who as U.S. Solicitor General argued President Eisenhower’s position against segregation in Brown v. Board of Education, appointed to U.S. Court of Appeals.

January 14, 1975, Republican William T. Coleman nominated as first African-American to be U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

January 15, 1901, Republican Booker T. Washington protests Alabama Democratic Party’s refusal to permit voting by African-Americans.

January 16, 1954, Consuelo Bailey (R-VT) announces her ultimately successful candidacy to become nation’s first woman elected Lt. Governor of a state.

January 17, 1874, Armed Democrats seize Texas state government, ending Republican efforts to racially integrate government.

I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.”

Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States