Tennessee Women of Vision and Courage

Tennessee women fight for their right to vote, compulsory education for children, racial justice, and equal opportunities. Their pioneering spirit, vision, and courage enable them to overcome hardship and adversity to blaze a trail for other women. Ranging from pioneers to twentieth century activists, their stories inspire women and girls of today. A one-act play of a woman suffrage rally in 1913 resounds with the voices of women in winning the right to vote and highlights the important place of Tennessee women in that battle. Historical accounts from across the state reflect the achievements of twenty-two remarkable women. Brenda Vineyard Runyon opens the nation’s first woman’s bank in Clarksville. Elizabeth Rona of Oak Ridge is a pioneer in nuclear chemistry and physics. Julia Britton Hooks, talented African American musician, founds a music school and elementary school for African American children in Memphis. These accounts of historic Tennessee women, written by contemporary Tennessee women, vividly reflect events in Tennessee history.