One day after the Jan. 20 inauguration of President Donald Trump, women around the world gathered to support the equal rights of all genders.
While cities like Chicago, New York and L.A. saw large crowds of people turn up to voice their message, smaller cities also took part in the Women’s March — including Peoria.
Hundreds of Peorians and university students gathered at 10 a.m. Saturday on the Riverfront to hold a rally, which included various speakers and peaceful protesters. According to Bradley students in attendance, the crowd consisted of people of diverse races and sexualities.
Senior psychology and Spanish double major Lauren Ship said she was impressed by the turnout at the Peoria rally and was glad many other people could share their message.
“The organizers of the March created the event invitation on Facebook only eight days before [the rally] and had a phenomenal turn out on such short notice,” Ship said. “It was incredible to see a diverse group at the March coming together for a common goal.”
During the rally, multiple speakers voiced their messages regarding various equal rights topics.
“My favorite part of the rally was hearing individuals in this community speak about their passions — healthcare, women’s place in the work force, religious freedom, intersectional feminism, environmental protection, reproductive rights, equal education for all and fighting for LGBTQIA rights,” Stephanie Becker, a senior nursing major, said. “These people are the true heroes in our nation. They are the ones working day-in and day-out to make this country better for people who are struggling, and they deserve credit and more support for their causes.”
Many of the rally-goers made their own signs to bring with them, including Ship.
“I held a sign during the rally that said ‘Unity in Diversity’ because we are all allies and need to support each other now more than ever,” Ship said.
Junior social media marketing major Nicole Castillo said she heard about the rally after being invited to the event via Facebook. Castillo said she was compelled to go to the peaceful protest to support the rights of all people, especially during today’s tumultuous political climate.
“I wanted to do the march in order to show my support for women’s rights, the LGBTQ+ community, the poor, the disabled and people of different races, ethnicities and origins,” Castillo said. “This election has caused a great divide in our nation, and my main goal in participating in the march was to feel united and feel a sense of community during this heartbreaking time.”
According to an article published by the Washington Post, more than one million people participated in the rally, making it the largest demonstration of its kind in U.S. history.
Castillo said being a part of the record-breaking demonstration is something she will remember forever.
“I know one day when I look back, I will be proud of the fact that I stood up for my rights as well as the rights that other minorities deserve,” Castillo said. “I can look back and say that I did something to create change. A protest as huge and worldwide as this, shows that an election, despite what country it takes place in, affects everyone. It shows that even during a time of division, a majority of the world can still unite and fight for what is right.”
Castillo said she hopes the march was able to spread awareness, peace and love, and she plans on continuing her participation in the Women’s March for years to come.
“We do not need more hate in our world,” Castillo said. “I hope that these peaceful marches spread love, kindness and acceptance throughout our nation all the way to the White House, where real, positive change can be created.”
