Pittsburg advocates to lead annual Women’s March

Joplin Globe (MO)

Jan. 12--PITTSBURG, Kan. -- The Southeast Kansas chapter of the National Organization for Women will host its second annual Women's March from 1 to 3 p.m. on Jan. 19.

Participants will begin at the farmers market pavilion at Broadway and 11th Street and march to Pritchett Pavilion, at the corner of Broadway and Second Street, for a rally. Anyone who is unable to march can join the rally at the pavilion, organizers said.

"I believe this year's Women's March is going to be a celebration of women's accomplishments over the last several years," said Megan Stoneberger Johnson, a board member of the Pittsburg-based Women Helping Women, in a statement. "We have organized and spoken out about issues that matter. Women truly are able to transform our communities, our state and our nation."

Speakers at the rally will include:

--Brooke Powell, Safehouse Crisis Center program director.

--Julie Huston, LGBTQ advocate.

--State Rep. Monica Murnan.

--Sarah Chenoweth, Pittsburg city commissioner.

--Megan Stoneberger Johnson, board member of Women Helping Women.

--Lori Martin, assistant professor at Pittsburg State University.

--Marcia Weeks, voting rights advocate.

--Ximena Ibarra and Hailey Valley, students at Pittsburg High School.

The Women's March began as a worldwide protest in January 2017 to coincide with the inauguration of President Donald Trump and was organized in Pittsburg last winter for the first time, drawing approximately 250 people.

Organizers said they hope to build on that momentum.

"It's important to remember that there is an active, hopeful political force locally, and the Women's March helps reinforce and support those positive local efforts," said Jessena Schultze, treasurer of SEK NOW, in a statement.

About SEK NOW

The Southeast Kansas chapter of the National Organization for Women is a grass-roots community group focused on constitutional equality, reproductive rights and justice, racial justice, LGBTQ rights, ending violence against women and economic justice. Membership is open to all supporters of women's issues and equality.

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