MOUNT LAUREL, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) celebrated Women’s Equality Day and the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment being signed into law at the Alice Paul Institute in Mount Laurel, where he was joined by Deirdre Webster Cobb, Chair of the Board of the Alice Paul Institute, Assemblywoman Carol Murphy and members of the Alice Paul Institute’s Girls Leadership Council. Together, they also honored the life and work of hometown hero Alice Paul, who was instrumental in the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

“Today marks 100 years since the 19^th Amendment was signed into law and women were guaranteed the right to vote,” said Congressman Norcross. “The women of that time did not wait for change; they demanded it. Our right to vote is sacred, and we will not stop fighting until ALL eligible Americans are afforded the same right. Today, elections are just as important, if not more, and we stand on the shoulders of women like Alice Paul who not only talked the talk but walked the walk.”

Watch the full event here.

“This anniversary is a significant milestone not just to women’s history, but Americans history,” said Deirdre Webster Cobb, Chair of the Board of the Alice Paul Institute. “I would be remiss in not remembering the countless number of people who have been disenfranchised, including women of color, who faced obstacles to voting 100 years ago, and those who still face those obstacles today. Now more than ever, we must come together and do everything in our power to ensure that everyone has access to voting.”

“Alice Paul continues to work in each and every one of us, and she would be amazed to find out what women are doing today,” said Assemblyman Carol Murphy. “Women are still marching on, and we are able to do everything.”

“Alice Paul left behind a legacy that has benefited and afforded me opportunities women couldn’t even dream of decades ago,” said Kayla Patel, senior at Moorestown Friends School, the alma mater of Alice Paul. “Although Alice and I are generations apart and come from different backgrounds, Alice inspires me to simply fight. That is her legacy. She defended her values and stood by them despite the backlash and the consequences. She inspires me and allows me to believe that I can do anything I can put my mind to. I can be the change I wish to see in my world.”