Take Two: Women's March 2018

Last year's march had such a huge thrust of energy behind it. This year the tone was less volatile, more measured, yet still powerful.

In Olympia, we met again at the Washington State Legislative building. What better place to address the governmental power. We arrived well past the initial 11 o'clock start time and speeches were in full swing, continuing for enough time for me to get several sketches at that site.

The focus had changed a bit from angry reaction to last year's election to strategic planning for upcoming voter opportunities -- the midterms. 

 Pink hats dominated, but there were lots of colors. And, being the rainy northwest, plenty of umbrellas.

 
We marched from the Capitol Campus which sits on a hill, down a switchback path to Capitol Lake where booths representing organizations focused on anything from LGBTQ issues to voter registration.

 I wrote down some of my favorite signs and chants I heard:

• Not buying the selling out of America
• We want a leader; not a creepy tweeter! 
• All these incredible women... and we got Trump?
• I fight for equality for my daughters. 
• Women Own 2018
• I support Planned Parenthood
• And my favorite because it's DOABLE: GRAB HIM BY THE MIDTERMS! 

It will be interesting to see what this coming year brings to our country politically, but one thing seems certain, the pink hats are here to stay for a while longer. 

Seattle Womxn's March January 21, 2017

It was a bright sunny morning with Pink Pussyhats everywhere. We waited for at least an hour standing in a crowd of wall to wall people on Jackson St. right next to Washington Middle School.   If you could get  up high enough, you would literally see people all the way up the hill to the east of us, and all the way west toward 4th Avenue about 1.3 miles.  Every so often you could hear a roar starting up like a wave coming up the hill and passing over us.  It was truly an amazing experience and one I won't forget.

I broke off from the March at the Library to search for an view overlooking the march.  I found one on the 4th floor.

Seattle’s Women’s March

1/21/17 Marching toward downtown Seattle

I am generally not politically vocal. As an introvert, I prefer one-on-one conversations to public expression. Whenever possible, I avoid large crowds.

1/21/17 Women in Pussy Hats waiting for the bus.

But I have deep concern about the U.S. being led by a man whose values support so many things I abhor. I am afraid – both for my country and myself. Trump offends me whenever he speaks. Despite every cell in my body telling me to stay home, I decided to participate in Seattle’s Women’s March with the hope that the event would help me turn my anger and fear into a more productive energy.

Joining 130,000 Seattleites at what turned out to be the largest gathering in the city’s history, I felt an immense bond with all the women and men who share my concerns and fears. Although I had some anxiety about potential violence, the event was as peaceful and affirmative as I had hoped it would be. Afterwards, watching media coverage of similar marches throughout the U.S. and even other countries, I was deeply moved by the enormous solidarity demonstrated today. I came home from the event feeling hopeful that we have the collective strength to take positive action.

1/21/17 Marching through the International District

1/21/17 Gathering at Judkins Park for the rally.

1/21/17 A sea of human solidarity at Judkins Park.