The People's March, a rebranded version of the Women's March, took place in multiple cities across the U.S. and beyond, ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration. Demonstrators rallied for women's reproductive rights, racial justice, climate change action, and more, reflecting a broad spectrum of social justice issues. Despite a smaller turnout compared to previous years, the march aimed to galvanize long-term activism and community engagement.
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second inauguration, the People's March—an evolution of the Women's March—has returned to the streets in cities worldwide. This demonstration, which initially began during Trump's first term, continues to advocate for a wide range of issues, including women's reproductive rights, racial justice, and climate action. The march represents a collective effort to challenge policies anticipated from the incoming administration.
In Seattle, demonstrators gathered to advocate for women's reproductive rights, racial justice, and environmental concerns among other issues. The march, which had its roots during Trump's first term, saw participants carrying signs with messages such as 'Reproductive rights are human rights' and 'We won’t go back, equal rights are human rights.' The event, although smaller than past years, was marked by a sense of frustration and exhaustion as participants expressed concerns over the rollback of rights and protections. Notably, Tutla Holmes and her group, Renton Rally, attended as a 'marching graveyard,' holding signs shaped like gravestones to symbolize the perceived threat to rights such as Medicare and women's rights. Despite the smaller turnout, the march in Seattle was part of a larger network of protests occurring across the nation and internationally, highlighting the global concern over the incoming administration's policies[1].
In Portland, hundreds gathered at Monument Square for the People's March, advocating for equal rights and protesting the policies of the incoming Trump administration. The event, organized by Dania Bowie of the Maine Women’s Lobby, emphasized community connection as a form of anti-fascism. Participants, donning pink hats and carrying homemade signs, marched to City Hall where speakers addressed issues such as reproductive rights, racial and gender equity, and LGBTQ+ rights. City Councilor April Fournier opened the speeches, stating, 'We are the many, we are not the few.' The march also highlighted solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Despite the cold conditions, the march fostered a sense of unity and determination to continue advocating for social justice[2].
In Washington D.C., thousands rallied for women's reproductive rights and other issues they believe are under threat from the Trump administration. The march, which drew inspiration from the historic Women's March, sought to show continued support for women's access to abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate action. Jill Parrish, a participant from Austin, Texas, expressed her concerns about the state of democracy, stating, 'Most importantly, I’m here to demonstrate my fear about the state of our democracy.' Despite a smaller turnout compared to previous years, the march aimed to galvanize participants into long-term activism. The event in D.C. was part of a broader movement, with over 350 similar marches taking place across the United States, highlighting the widespread concern over the incoming administration's policies[3].
The People's March, a rebranded initiative from the original Women's March, has once again mobilized thousands across the globe to rally against policies anticipated from the incoming Trump administration. Despite a smaller turnout compared to previous years, the march maintained its focus on a wide range of social justice issues, from reproductive rights to climate action. Organizers emphasized the importance of continued activism and community engagement as they navigate the challenges posed by the current political climate. As the world watches the transition of power in the United States, the People's March serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
"Most importantly, I’m here to demonstrate my fear about the state of our democracy." - Jill Parrish
"We are the many, we are not the few." - April Fournier