Martha Hughes Cannon became the first woman to serve in a state senate when she advocated for health reform in Utah. 'Unladylike2020' features her alongside four other influential women: Jovita Idár, a journalist who fought for civil rights; Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress, who opposed war; Mary Church Terrell, a civil rights activist for racial equality; and Zitkála-Šá, a Native American writer advocating for Indigenous rights. Their stories reflect significant cultural changes in American history.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

Meet Martha Hughes Cannon, a pioneer in health reform.
Discover Jeannette Rankin's fight for women's suffrage.
Follow Jovita Idár's civil rights activism.

Did You Know

Martha Hughes Cannon was the first woman in a state senate in 1896.
Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1916.
Jovita Idár was a journalist who fought for civil rights in the early 1900s.
Mary Church Terrell was a prominent civil rights activist in the late 19th century.
Zitkála-Šá advocated for Indigenous rights in the early 20th century.

Perfect For

Women's history enthusiastsCivil rights advocatesNative American culture

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the first woman to serve in a state senate?

Martha Hughes Cannon was the first woman to serve in a state senate, advocating for health reform in Utah.

What did Jovita Idár fight for?

Jovita Idár fought for civil rights and education for the Mexican-American community.

Who was the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress?

Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress and she stood against war while championing women's suffrage.

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