August 24, 2020

The Vote Necklace

This month, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment - granting women (mostly White) the right to vote. Black women did not have full access to voting until the Voting Rights Act of 1965... only 55 years ago! I’ve recently been educating myself on early Black feminists such as Ida B Wells, and Sojourner Truth.
These powerful voices had a major impact to the suffrage movement, yet, we hardly hear about them in traditional history classes.
“After a hard-fought series of votes in the U.S. Congress and in state legislatures, the Nineteenth Amendment became part of the U.S. Constitution on August 18, 1920. It states, "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

Women fought for my right to vote 100 years ago and I have never taken it for granted! I have always used my platform to engage, encourage, occasionally challenge and give back to my community in any way I can.

Since 2002, I have been able to vote in 14 elections in Wake County North Carolina. It is a privilege. We are lucky, Marty and I walk right up to the polls and vote, without issues. Many in this nation face hardships with their polling stations. I believe everyones voice should be heard without difficulty!

How the Vote Necklace Came to Be

Last year, Carrington Jackson, reached out with the idea of creating something for the 2020 election. It was an immediate “YES!”

“I reached out to Kenda, someone I have long admired for the way she uses her voice and the platform of her jewelry business to amplify the power of women….It took us awhile to get in the active stages of planning, but when she showed me her designs, I felt not only the magic of her gift but her dedication to the power of WE.” -Carrington Jackson

Fair Fight

Having the ability to use my art to support communities in the fight for pro-voting rights is a gift I will never take for granted. After researching, I wanted the proceeds of this necklace to be donated to Fair Fight. Fair Fight is an organization founded by Stacey Abrams that promotes fair elections, encourages voter participation, and educates voters about elections and their voting rights.

Be Brave Enough to Start a Conversation that Matters

Now is the time to promote, educate and take action! Now is the time to put into consideration lived experiences other than your own. We designed the Vote Necklace to empower you to start conversations daily. To amplify the power of your voice. Our wish is that you wear it proudly, supporting the importance of pro voting rights for all.

x, Kenda Kist

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Written by Kenda Kistenmacher

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