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Ramsey County District One,
This month of March, I invite you to join me in celebrating empowerment through Women's History Month and Transgender Day of Visibility. These observances are important opportunities to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women and transgender individuals who continue to shape our communities. Together, we recognize the vital role of all gender identities in driving progress, promoting equality, and fostering a culture of inclusion. Let us come together to acknowledge these milestones, uplift each other, and continue advocating for a more equitable and supportive future for all.
Sincerely,
Commissioner Jebens-Singh
Nellie Griswold-Francis
Nellie Griswold Francis, born November 7, 1874, in Nashville, Tennessee, was a pioneering figure and a steadfast advocate for women's rights, significantly contributing to the educational system and the suffrage movement. After moving to St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood, Francis spent her early years in Minnesota attending the Madison School, joining Pilgrim Baptist Church, and providing musical entertainment for Hotel Chateaugay guests in White Bear Lake. It was then through the church, that Francis first spoke about women's suffrage, which ignited her lifelong activism.
Francis delivered powerful speeches on women's rights. She became a member of key black organizations such as the National Afro-American Council, and in 1914, she founded the Everywoman Suffrage Club for African American women in Minnesota. Through these efforts, Nellie protested at the 34th Minnesota State Suffrage Convention and became a delegate at subsequent conventions. The Everywoman Suffrage Club also grew to include over 50 members, and through their advocacy, she met prominent figures like Hallie Q. Brown, Du Bois, and Booker T. Washington. Overall, her efforts helped Minnesota become the 15th state to ratify the 19th Amendment in 1919, which paved the way for the national suffrage victory in 1920, securing voting rights for all women, regardless of race or background.
Rosalie Wahl
Rosalie Wahl exemplified the ideal of a fully human judge with a commitment to jurisprudence of inclusivity. As the first woman appointed to the Minnesota Supreme Court in 1977, she brought an exceptional intellect and passion for gender fairness to her work. She believed that women, both in her generation and the next, struggled to have their talents and contributions recognized and valued due to entrenched societal norms within the body politic.
Early in her career, Wahl helped establish Minnesota Women Lawyers, which now honors her with an annual lecture series. She was active in organizations, including the National Association of Women Judges, the Minnesota Women’s Forum, while also supporting the Minnesota Women’s Consortium, and the American Association of University Women.
One of her most significant contributions came as an appointed justice, where she initiated a Gender Fairness Task Force within the judiciary. Wahl recognized that systemic change required addressing the fundamental power imbalances within the legal system. Her task forces, adopted by Supreme Courts across the country, investigated gender bias in the judicial system and proposed reforms. Wahl’s commitment to inclusive jurisprudence acknowledged that emotions—often rooted in women's experiences—play a crucial role in shaping, applying, and interpreting laws, ensuring justice and fairness for all.
Transgender Day of Visibility in Ramsey County
 Transgender Day of Visibility is an important moment to celebrate the resilience and contributions of transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming individuals. Despite progress, transgender people still face violence, discrimination, and legal attacks on their rights.
Ramsey County stands against these injustices and remains committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for all residents and employees. To honor this commitment, on March 18th, the Ramsey County board is recognizing the importance of transgender visibility in leadership, policy, and daily life.
To join Commissioner Jebens-Singh, and the rest of the Ramsey County Board, in commemorating this day, please click here for further details on the board meeting.
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