Women’s March organizers urge supporters to go to the polls: ‘Activism doesn’t end here’
"It's a legacy," said Digiacomo, who traveled from
The event dubbed "March to the Polls 2018" was designed to honor first-time voters, who led the parade of marchers to
"These marches build a sense of community," organizer
This was the third local event of its kind. The first Women's March unexpectedly drew a quarter-million women and supporters in
Organizers declined to give crowd estimates for Saturday's march and rally.
"We simply don't have a sense yet," said
She added that at the two previous events, "people who had aerial visuals" were giving input on attendance, but this was not the case Saturday. The first two marches were held in solidarity with similar events across the globe, while Saturday's march was a local event.
Speakers included
"This march, this is just the beginning," Lever said. "Activism doesn't end here."
First-time voter
"The current politicians we have discriminate against people like me," she said.
"Because people organized, (Roe v. Wade) became the law of the land," she said. "And we will never go back."
In a statement against sexual assault and harassment,
"Good boys can be good boys," Latshaw said. "It's not that hard. He understands it."
A 20-foot inflatable "baby Trump" -- a caricature of the president -- floated above the event. Across from the balloon,
"I feel as if things have only gotten worse since then," said Meehan, 52, referencing the anger and frustration surrounding the recent nomination and confirmation of
Harmon, 47, said the Kavanaugh hearings really got her temperature up. This was part of the reason she registered to vote Saturday.
"You can't complain if you don't vote," she said.
"She's 10 now, and it's time," Carmichael said. "I needed the affirmation that there are smart, intelligent people out there who believe in women's rights and believe in fighting for them."
Meredith wore a sign around her neck listing the things she loves: science, reading and a future with women's rights.
Marchers snaked from the park to
Forty years later, she stood at the Women's March with her 11-year-old daughter and her daughter's friend.
"I was hoping we'd be done with this by now," Szczeblowski said. "They need to see other women around them taking a stand and realize that this is normal."
Szczeblowski said she had hoped for a bigger crowd Saturday, but the event was less about being present at the march and more about showing up at the polling booth.
"Being anti-Trump isn't going to change anything," she said. "That's not a positive message. We need a message of action."
Twitter @annaspoerre
___
(c)2018 the Chicago Tribune
Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
EDITORIAL: What happens when resilience is missing
Need assistance finding a Medicare plan? Here’s help
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News