This Saturday, over 1,000 people will unite for a Charleston Sister March for the Women's March on Washington movement.
Here’s what organizers had to say about the event:
“Local women from all walks of life responded to the need to organize a sister march in Charleston. In just one week the march's Facebook event has amassed over 1,500 attendees with another 1,500 who are interested in attending the march.
The rhetoric of the past election cycle has insulted 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 – and 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.
The Women's March will send a bold message to our new administration 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.
This march is the first step towards unifying our communities, grounded in new relationships, to create change from the grassroots level up. This positive Sister March is all about inclusivity, activism, and community. Bring your signs for peace, equality, solidarity, love and support, as well as your friends, family, enthusiasm and determination for a brighter tomorrow .
March attendees are encouraged to meet at one of nine downtown locations. March marshals will guide attendees through the city, where everyone will convene on Brittlebank Park. There we will rally at approximately 12 pm , with a program featuring local advocates, artists, thought leaders, and others.
There are 9 parking garages designated as meeting places for an 11 am march departure to Brittlebank (each march will be led by 2 marshals):
Garage 1 – 1 Cumberland Street (2.3 miles to Brittlebank)122 Bee Street (0.4 miles) The new meeting spot is 21 Courtenay Drive.
This positive Sister March is all about inclusivity, activism and community. Bring your signs for peace, solidarity, love and support, as well as your friends, family, enthusiasm and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Click here for more information
UPDATE – 1/20/17 at 9:30 am – The following speakers are scheduled to appear at the rally:
• Courtney O'Leary, Sister March Lead Organizer
• Marcus Amaker – Poet Laureate of Charleston
• Linda Ketner – Community Leader, Social Justice Activist, Philanthropist
• Dot Scott – President, Charleston NAACP
• Susan Dunn – Legal Director, ACLU of SC
• Marjory Wentworth – Poet Laureate of SC
• Lee Anne Leland – LGBTQIA Rights Activist
• Cookie Washington – Textile Artist, Social Justice Activist
• Amy Brennan – Executive Director, Center for Women
• Colleen Condon – Former Charleston County Councilmember; Principal Attorney, Condon Law Firm
• Dr. Reshma Khan – Founder and Executive Director, The Shifa Clinic
• Matt Foley – Charleston Poet; English and Writing Teacher at Charleston School of the Arts
