It is interesting how seemingly inconsequential events change our lives and, collectively, history spurred by denials of inalienable rights. Gender bias and racism are two.

On June 4, 1913, merely months before World war 1, an aggressive suffragist, Emily Wilding Davison, obtained two flags bearing the suffragette colors of purple, white, and green. She then traveled by train to Epsom, Surrey in England, to attend the derby. Ms. Davison maneuvered underneath the railing, positioning herself in the infield, the final bend before the home stretch. Then, dashing onto the course with horses thundering, she grasped the reins of King George's horse, Anmer, speeding at 35 miles per hour, merely seconds after stepping onto the path. The horse hit and killed Miss Davison.

Miss Davison was an aggressive suffragist.

She had earned an English honors degree from Oxford and a bachelor of arts from London University. For seven years, she advocated for women's suffrage. Although she had only set a letter box on fire and once hid inside the House of Commons to protest in the gallery up to this point, she had been imprisoned multiple times and forced to eat. In fact, she attempted suicide by plunging headfirst from one of the top galleries of the prison to end this misery, but she was only severely injured. On another occasion, a hose pipe was turned on her from a window when she had barricaded her cell against the prison doctors. She nearly drowned in frigid water as workers attempted to break down her cell door.

From that point forward, Miss Davison was persuaded that England would not grant women their rights unless one of the ladies made a meaningful sacrifice that captured the attention of the entire world. Miss Davison's incredibly bold move undoubtedly made headlines worldwide, even though the upper class was quite outraged in England. In her diary, Queen Mary described her as "that horrid woman" and expressed regret that the jockey had been injured."

The death of suffragette Emily Wilding Davison reminds us of the sacrifices and dedication of those who fought for the right to vote and equality for women. It also highlights the importance of peaceful protest and civil disobedience in pursuing human rights. Davison's actions and those of other suffragettes ultimately played a significant role in the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the United States. Her death serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the power of individuals to effect change, even in the face of adversity.

Emily Wilding Davison's death illustrates the lengths individuals will go to fight for freedom and human rights. Her actions were extreme and ultimately fatal, but they were also an act of desperation and frustration at the lack of progress in the fight for women's suffrage. It also shows the bravery of Davison and other suffragettes, who were willing to put their lives on the line for the cause.

Davison's death also serves as a reminder of the importance of intersectionality and the need to fight for the rights of marginalized groups simultaneously. As a working-class woman, Emily Wilding Davison understood the intersection of class, gender, and political rights. Her death also brings attention to the fact that the fight for women's suffrage was not just about the right to vote but also about achieving equality and dismantling systems of oppression.

Furthermore, Davison's death shows us that the human rights struggle is often a long and challenging process requiring sacrifices. It also teaches us that a single person's action can inspire others and bring attention to the cause. It is important to remember the sacrifices of those like Emily Wilding Davison, who fought for human rights and continue to work towards achieving true equality and justice for all.

How does Emily Davison's fight relate to Martin Luther King Jr?

Emily Wilding Davison's fight for women's suffrage and Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight for civil rights and racial equality address inequality and oppression issues. Both Davison and King used nonviolent means, such as protests and civil disobedience, to bring attention to their respective causes and to push for change. They both faced significant resistance and adversity in their efforts. Nevertheless, they were willing to make sacrifices for the sake of their beliefs.

Both Davison and King's struggle also highlight the importance of intersectionality and the need to fight for the rights of marginalized groups simultaneously. Both women's suffrage and civil rights movements were not just about the right to vote or the rights of a specific group but also about achieving equality and dismantling systems of oppression.

In addition, Both Davison and King's fight teach us that change is not easy. It requires dedication, perseverance, and sacrifices. It also teaches us that a single person's action can inspire others and bring attention to the cause. Finally, Davison and King's legacies inspire and remind us that the fight for human rights is ongoing. It is crucial to continue achieving true equality and justice for all.

About Jim Woods

Jim Woods is a diversity, equity and inclusion expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. He has worked with organizations of all sizes, from small non-profits to large Fortune 500 companies, helping them to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Jim is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and has a track record of success in implementing effective DEI strategies. He has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that organizations face when it comes to building a more diverse and inclusive culture, and is skilled at working with leadership teams to develop and execute strategies that drive positive change.

In addition to his work as a DEI expert, Jim is also a sought-after speaker and trainer. He has spoken at conferences and events around the world, sharing his knowledge and insights on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership. He is also a frequent contributor to industry publications, sharing his expertise and thought leadership on DEI best practices.

Jim holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in organizational development and human resources.

Overall, Jim is a highly respected and accomplished DEI expert, with a proven track record of helping organizations build more inclusive and equitable cultures.