Thousands of people participate in the Women’s March on Washington Sister March

Over 7,000 people gathered on January 21  in the downtown park in San Luis Obispo at 10 a.m in support of women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, racial and religious minorities and more. Hundreds of signs fill the crowds, with a plethora of phrases and slogans like “Women’s rights = human rights!” and “BUILD BRIDGES NOT WALLS.”

The event’s website states “[the Women’s March] is a Pro Peace, Pro Inclusivity march.” It was not “anti” anything: the focus of the march was to promote equal human rights.

“We respectfully ask that all ‘anti’ or ‘protest’ sentiments are NOT shared at this march. This does not mean that we don’t acknowledge these feelings and points of view, but this is not the focus of this particular march.”

The rally began at 10 a.m., which included a dance, speeches, spoken word poetry, music, and quite a bit of cheering from the crowd that circled the gazebo.

Erica Flores Baltodano Esq. was the keynote speaker for the event, who addressed the reason for the march.

“I will be putting one foot in front of the other for the next four years, to say that I am here. I am watching. And I am ready.”

Seniors Madison Owens, Kalyn Armstrong, Ethan Athey and Carina Ezzell showed their support by marching on Saturday. When asked why they marched, each had many of their own reasons to be there.

“I marched so women can be whoever they want to be in the future, by diminishing patriarchal roles. I marched so equal pay and the right to choose will be available to all women. I marched so women and men can uplift each other regardless of gender,” Owens said.

Ezzell marched to support women, people of color and other minorities.

“The rights of choice, healthcare, equality and being welcomed in this country belong to everyone, and I felt the need to support human rights in all of its entirety to stand up to those who aim to threaten it,” Ezzell said.

The march lasted about an hour and festivities in the park ran until 2 p.m..