Along with thousands of other men, women, and children (MLive reported 11,000 people attended), I joined the Women’s March in Ann Arbor yesterday to march in support of women’s rights, affordable health care, and civil rights.
I was proud to be part of a march that joined hundreds of Women’s Marches around the world, on every continent including Antarctica.
Unexpectedly warm weather in the 50’s greeted marchers as they gathered in Ann Arbor, Michigan near the Federal Building before the start of the march.
At the march and rally, I met young and old: college students, parents, grandparents, and children from Ann Arbor, St. Clair Shores, Dearborn, Ypsilanti, and Chelsea.
We chatted about our reasons for being at the march: to join in solidarity to show the world, no matter our race, gender, religion, or sexuality, we will fight for women’s rights and civil rights.
Despite thousands of people gathered at the corner of 5th and Liberty before the march, I was absolutely thrilled to run into my friend Deb Nystrom near the Federal Building who used her artistic talents to create a sign to carry during the march.
The handmade signs, uplifting conversations with fellow marchers as we walked to the University of Michigan Diag, and the speeches at the rally encouraging everyone to get involved left me with a positive, hopeful feeling.
It was wonderful to see the photos my friends posted on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook as they joined marches around the world.
Check them out online by searching for the WomensMarch hashtag.
Here are a few more of my photos from the march.
Good on you, Deborah!
Was there a positive spirit and sense of sisterhood during the march?
Hi Claire,
Yes, people were positive, speakers and attendees. Each speaker encouraged people to beyond the march, join a group, get active. The homemade signs were creative and inspiring.