The Women’s March in Downtown Ann Arbor on Oct. 17. Weevern Gong | Washtenaw Voice
By Weevern Gong
Digital Editor
Members of the public masked up to take part in the Women’s March in Ann Arbor on Saturday.
The event kicked off at noon at the University of Michigan Diag, with guest speakers U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, Washtenaw County Commissioner Shannon Beeman, and State Reps. Donna Lasinski and Rebekah Warren delivering rousing speeches.
Topics focused on encouraging female representation in local government and voter engagement in the upcoming presidential election.
Illustrated by Jessica Pace | Washtenaw Voice
“Three years ago, we elected a woman governor, a woman attorney general, a woman secretary of state,” said Dingell, referring to the 2018 Michigan general election, where all three positions were won by female representatives. “Progress! But we’ve got a lot more work to do.”
She touched upon the need for unity considering the COVID-19 pandemic, which has deeply affected lives and livelihoods across the country.
“Too many people have lost their jobs, they’re unable to pay their rent or their mortgage. Our neighbors are going hungry and people can’t afford to go to their doctor or even take a test … And they’re afraid … might have to stay home even if they do have a job. That is not who we should be in the United States of America.”
“We need to come together,” Dingell said. “We’re not red, we’re not blue, we’re Americans. Proud of it, love this country, we’re fighting for our future.”
Donna Lasinski also emphasized the importance of reaching out beyond district borders. “When we’re in Washtenaw County, we’re in a little bit of a bubble,” she said.
“20 minutes out and you are somewhere entirely different making a difference.”
After the speeches, participants marched through downtown to Ann Arbor City Hall.
-
- The march passing through State St. Weevern Gong | Washtenaw Voice
-
- A sign at the Women’s March about nonviolent protest.
-
- Organizers from Shine & Rise thanking the crowd and repeating the message to vote.
-
- Marchers outside City Hall.
-
- A poster of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, urging a delay of the next Supreme Court confirmation.
-
- U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell speaking on the steps of the University of Michigan Library.
-
- State Rep. Donna Lasinski delivering her speech.
-
- Cars honking as the procession reaches City Hall.
-
- The Women’s March in Downtown Ann Arbor on Oct. 17.
-
- People signing the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Banner.
Signs and posters included tributes to the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, support for women’s rights, and advocacy for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris.
Marchers were required to wear masks.
The Women’s March has become an annual event held nationwide since President Trump was inaugurated in 2017, the first march being a protest of his policies.
This year’s Women’s March in Ann Arbor was organized by Shine & Rise, a network group that supports women and minorities working in technology.
