Together with the Alexandria Spokeswomen and Alexandria Celebrates Women, BPAC organized a group ride on March 27 to celebrate Women’s History Month. Riding in small groups, with staggered start times and other covid precautions, we visited parks, schools, and other city facilities named after notable Alexandrian women. We also stopped at two sites in Alexandria associated with the fight for women’s suffrage.
Highlights included Helen Miller Park, named in honor of an Alexandrian woman who marched and participated in sit-ins to integrate libraries, restaurants, banks, and fire and police departments; Judy Lowe Neighborhood Park, which celebrates the woman known as the First Lady of Del Ray; the elementary school that could soon be renamed after beloved teacher Naomi Brooks; and Shirley Tyler Unity Park, a tribute to a longtime community leader in Arlandria. We also learned about Margaret Brent, the first woman in America to seek the right to vote, as well the former courthouse that was the site of a pivotal hearing for suffragists arrested for protesting in front of the White House in 1917.
Here are some photos from the ride:
A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the ride happen.
If you would like to do a self-guided version of the women’s history ride, a guide to the route and stops is available here.
Alexandria Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee 