OCEANA COUNTY, MICH. — Oceana County will be represented Saturday, Jan. 21 in Washington, DC as women from across the country gather for the Women’s March on Washington, a nationally organized event to celebrate not just women’s rights but equality for all people.
“We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children 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,” march organizers said on the Women’s March on Washington website.
The site goes on to say, “The rhetoric of the past election cycle has insulted, demonized, and threatened many of us–immigrants of all statuses, Muslims and those of diverse religious faiths, people who identify as LGBTQIA, native people, black and brown people, people with disabilities, survivors of sexual assault—that our communities are hurting and scared. We are confronted with the question of how to move forward in the face of national and international concern and fear.”
Organizers expect more than 100,000 people to turn out for the march, one day after the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
“In the spirit of democracy and honoring the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence in numbers too great to ignore. The Women’s March on Washington will send a bold message to our new administration, Congress, Senate, State and Local governments on their first day in office, and to the world that women’s rights are human rights. We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us.
In response to the many women in Oceana County who have expressed an interest in attending the Women’s March, a locally-based trip has been organized. A bus will depart Muskegon Friday, Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. and will return Sunday morning, Jan. 22.
The final cost will be determined by the number of participants, but it will be approximately $175 per person.
Space is still available. If you are interested in attending or for more information, e-mail Barb Wyns of New Era at b_wyns@yahoo.com.
