By Kelly Youngblood
Hundreds of area residents are expected to come out and show their support for women’s rights at the first ever Women’s March on C-U this Saturday, Jan. 21.
But should you bring your kids?
Adani Sanchez is a member of the Champaign County Young Democrats- the group responsible for organizing the local event. Sanchez said while anyone who supports women’s rights is encouraged to attend, the decision to bring children is a personal one.
She noted the programs and march are geared towards an adult audience; large, noisy crowds are anticipated; they cannot promise speakers won’t use any adult language or touch on adult themes and issues; and there will likely be some marchers with signs and shirts with adult content.
“This event is to be expressive, and we are not restricting how people express themselves, except to be safe, respectful, and peaceful,” she said.
Sanchez also recognizes the event could be very inspiring and educational for people of all ages.
“We trust parents to make the decision, keeping this information in mind, whether to bring their child or not,” she said.
Women’s March on C-U begins at 11 a.m. at West Side Park, 400 W. University Avenue.
Following a brief, pre-march program, participants will then proceed to Cowboy Monkey where several local, female leaders will speak at noon. A live-stream of the Washington march will also be shown.
Women’s March on CU is an official sister-march to the Women’s March on Washington. Sanchez said participating in the local event would give local residents a unique opportunity.
“Marchers will have the ability to join over one million other Americans from across the country to be a part of one of the largest political, social, and civil demonstrations in American history,” Sanchez said.
She added, “The event is for those who want to show that, regardless of the results of the November 8th election, there are millions of Americans who believe in, and will fight for, equality for all, social justice, and civil rights.”
Here is some more important info about the Women’s March on CU:
- A team of trained safety volunteers will be wearing pink safety vests at the march.
- An attorney will be there to ensure all participant’s first amendment rights are respected.
- A diverse line-up of local, female speakers will share their insights including Pastor Amy Thoren; Evelyn Reynolds; Claudia Lennhoff; Lucia Maldonado; Andrea Rundell; Molly McLay; Lauren Quinn; and Tanisha King-Taylor.
- The Blind Pig Brewery, across the pedestrian walkway from the Cowboy Monkey, will be open for over-flow for those that cannot get into the Cowboy Monkey if it reaches capacity or for those that would like to hear speeches with less of a crowd.
- The Blind Pig Brewery will be naming a new beer in honor of the march. The name will be crowd-sourced on the Facebook Event Page here.