Why women are marching in the Women’s March on Charlotte Saturday
The day after Donald Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States, the streets of uptown Charlotte will be swept by the Women’s March on Charlotte. This march, which starts in First Ward Park, is organized by a committee of volunteers and is being held at the same time — 10 a.m. Jan. 21 — as the Women’s March on Washington.
Both marches have nearly identical mission and vision statements. The statement issued by the Women’s March on Charlotte reads: “We stand together in solidarity for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families — recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.”
Charlotte is one of many cities around America holding Women’s Marches in conjunction with the Washington march, and is “sending a clear message to our government that women’s rights are human rights.”
“I personally volunteered to help because as a women’s healthcare provider and pro-choice activist, I have strong feelings about equality and believe that as citizens, we have the right to be heard,” wrote Calla Hales, a Women’s March on Charlotte committee member, in an email. “My hope is that people use the march as a way to connect and find ways to remain socially engaged in our community.”
As of noon Tuesday, the Charlotte event’s Facebook page showed 3,000 people attending Saturday’s march, which will flow along a two-mile route from First Ward Park to Romare Bearden Park. The march committee has been working with the city and police to ensure that city ordinances are followed.
“The interest in the march has surpassed our wildest dreams,” Hales wrote. “I am so excited for the turnout.”
Why are women marching in Charlotte?
A few Charlotte women shared their reasons for joining this weekend’s march.
“I march because I live in a free country, I live in a country where the men went to war and the women stood up and carried this country until they returned. I march because too many women and children are dying at the hands of violence. I march because to NOT march means I agree with the mistreatment of women, children and people of all races.” -Sarah Simpson
“As a woman, a person of color, the child of immigrants, the sister and friend of many LGBTQ individuals, and a sexual assault survivor, I am marching because I cannot believe the country has elected a man who openly hates women, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ individuals and Muslims, and has openly admitted to sexually assaulting women. This is beyond Republican versus Democratic. I am terrified about what the next 4 years will hold, but I am committed to taking action.” -Natasha Byfield
“I’m marching not against our democracy and elected president, but against the values for which he stands for. This march is to say that we are powerful, and we stand united, and we will not accept anything less than being treated with the equality and respect we deserve.” -Indira Eskieva
“I will march with and for my daughter, so she knows the rhetoric that is being normalized is NOT acceptable.” -Melissa Carion Savilla
“I march to make sure politicians are aware that women — no matter what race/religion/orientation they are — are citizens and should have and continue to have equality. I march because I don’t want to lose what gains we’ve had in equality.” -Susan Carter McCurdy
“Why I am going to march? Because dignity, respect and equality are words that should be interconnected and shown to everyone, no matter their gender, race or religion.” -Cris Daining
“I march as a demonstration of the power of compassion.” -Judah L. Jones
“My poster says it all.” -Lynne Kennedy Andrzejewski
Women’s March on Charlotte details
When: 10-noon, Saturday, Jan. 21
Where: First Ward Park, 301 E. 7th St.
Get more information here.
Featured photo: David T. Foster III/Charlotte Observer
This story was originally published January 17, 2017 at 11:13 PM with the headline "Why women are marching in the Women’s March on Charlotte Saturday."