Marching For the Future

By Kaitlyn Benacquisto
News Reporter

The Austin community marched from City Hall to the Texas Capitol in support of women’s rights on Saturday, the one year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s inauguration. A rally held at Austin City Hall calling for Mr. Trump’s impeachment preceded the march.

Women, men and politicians alike marched down South Congress Avenue, in hopes of inspiring a better tomorrow for women. Spirits were high during the march as activists befriended one another and held signs high. Many signs addressed grievances towards the government and messages of hope and support: “Our Bodies, Our Mind, Our Power.” “A Woman’s Place is in the House and the Senate.” “Fight Like A Girl.” “Not My Prez!”

The crowd gathered around the front steps of the Capitol after the march was over to listen to the event’s speakers. Speakers included Melissa Fiero, who organized the 2017 Austin Women’s March, State Representative Donna Howard (D-Austin) and former gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis. These prominent Texas women spoke about issues ranging from the importance of voting to abortion rights to the president’s attitude towards women.

Ms. Davis’ speech touched on the consequences for women as a result of Trump’s win in the presidential election. The march showed “our intention to resist and persist and our disgust for an electoral system that had elected a known misogynist — and that’s the nicest way I can say it — to office,” Davis said.

She encouraged the crowd to contact their representatives, vote those they disagree with out of office, and even to run for office themselves.

Featured image by Kaitlyn Benacquisto.