On Saturday, January 21, I joined the approximately 20,000+ women, men, and children who marched from Southside Park to the State Capitol during the Sacramento Women’s March. Given the population of Sacramento, 20,000+ marchers was more than respectable.
I decided to park at the City Hall parking lot at 10th & I, and reserved a spot ($5) in advance. I then made my way to Southside Park to meet the “Biddies”.
I was prepared – wearing layers of clothing and wearing hiking shoes – with rain gear in my backpack. Luckily we were in a lull between storms. Saturday was a very nice day and other than a few drops during my walk to Southside Park it was dry – and then the sun came out!
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I arrived at Southside Park around 9:30 a.m. and connected with the “Biddies for Decency” (BFD). Several of the Biddies were accompanied by supportive husbands.
The BFD went all out in preparation for the Sacramento Women’s March. The BFD had a great banner identifying the group, and many of us were wearing BFD provided pink “pussy hats”, along with wide ribbons (assorted red, white and blue) worn over our shoulders emblazoned with BFD. Very distinctive and classy!
There were so many marchers that it took a long time before we really started moving along at a steady pace – as everyone at Southside Park had to funnel into Sixth Street to start the march. It was a relief when we finally started moving.
The march was very much a family affair – with many husbands, significant others, boyfriends, sons, etc. accompanying their loved ones. Children in strollers and wagons, or walking alongside their parents were much in evidence. The march was both positive in nature and peaceful.
There were many different reasons participants chose to join the Sacramento Women’s March. A sea of homemade signs identifying numerous issues of importance and concern were carried by the marchers. I have to say that I was totally in awe by how clever many of the signs were. One sign that stood out for me was “There is no PLANet B”.
What would a protest march be without chants? Periodically chants such as “love trumps hate” would break out. There was also a catchy chant that rhymed “tweet” and “creep” but I don’t want to repeat that here.
The Sacramento Women’s March ended at the West Steps of the State Capitol where various speakers, including Sacramento Mayor Steinberg, addressed the crowd.
Afterwards thousands of hungry and thirsty marchers descended on downtown restaurants and bars – but the Biddies had a table reserved at Cafeteria 15L – for which I was most thankful.
Comments on the Sacramento Women’s March?
Did you participate in or watch the Sacramento Women’s March? Please share your experience and/or reaction. Did you have a favorite sign (or two)?
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Your blog accurately describes the march but words cannot capture the level of excitement and community amongst the attendees. It is a high price to pay but it would seem the damage being done in Washington is galvanizing all good people of conscience to come together for the good of the country.
Thanks Darlene. Yes, there was very much a sense of community among all those who participated.
Yes, I was in the Women’s March in Sacramento on Saturday! It was such an empowering experience! I was SO proud of neighbors and friends that were there! -A sea of people gathered at Southside Park! Women, men , children! Black, Latino, white, all ethnicities! Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, all religions (based on the signs made)!
From the stage at Southside Park to W St, -a solid sea of people!!!!! The march was wonderful, amazing, loving, peaceful and empowering! We marched to our Capital together! Women, men and children chanted together, “The people united, will NEVER be divided!” “Women’s health is Human Rights!” The signs that were carried expressed urgent issues! Pledges were made by each and all that will participate in our Democracy and express our needs to our elected officials and we will not be complacent! Darrell Steinberg, Kevin McCarty, Betty Yee, and other leaders made amazing great speeches! Great day and the majority united on Saturday and are powerful!!!!! We, the people!
Thanks Debby! Yes, it was a great day – and I was really impressed with the turnout.
I wasn’t able to make it to the march itself but met afterward with some friends who did go. Sounded like it was a peaceful protest at large and that there was excellent turnout. We will stand up and unit together to speak out againt this current administration! I’ve never been very interested in getting involved in political matters but right now I cannot continue living unless I do everything I can to help our situation. I’m worried that the next 4 years will be filled with large protests as we battle several devastating decisions that are eminent in our near future. I don’t feel alone and that is a glorious thing. We DO need to keep out movement peaceful yet strong and assertive and it is vital that we stay focused on the most important issues! I pledge to get involved in as many efforts as I can during these next several years.
Thanks Jacob for your comments.
I attended. It was a GREAT day to march with people of color, men, children, young parents, union members and all kinds of women. I too have been discriminated against regarding jobs, by abusive men and sexist bosses etc. so am well aware of what it has been like for women growing up in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Women my age were expected to make food and coffee for men and be quiet. I have made less money then men doing the very same job. I don’t want my granddaughters to experience the difficulties I faced. My grandmothers faced far worse as my grandmother was not granted a divorce and the judge told her “go home and take care of your husband” even though her husband beat her. My mother was fired from her job when she got married. (Her boss said she would get pregnant.) Things have to change for women. If you have not experienced any of this as a woman, you are very lucky. Times have been tough. for women my age. The march helped women in general feel supported.
Thanks Nancy for your insights on issues important to women.