January 21, 2017
We were a part of something larger than ourselves.
Approximately 4,000 people showed up for the Women's March in Riverside, California. It was scheduled to be a quick 1/4 mile walk down the pedestrian mall but 4,000 people did not fit in that area. The route was quickly changed with help from the city police. We walked through the first part of the mall, then turned and walked a couple of blocks down Mission Inn, up Lemon Street, and back on University before finishing on the final section of the mall.
The march began at a statue of Eliza Tibbets.
"Created by artist (and former Corona resident) Guy A. Wilson, the 11-foot statue entitled “Sower’s Dream,” commemorates Eliza Tibbets and her role in originating California’s highly successful navel orange industry, which began in Riverside during the 1870s. The 1,100 pound bronze statue depicts Eliza with outstretched arms and billowing dress and honors not only Eliza the navel orange matriarch, but also Eliza the spiritualist, abolitionist and activist."
There were extra signs at the statue free for the taking for those of us who had not the forethought to make and bring our own.
Cathy selected Planned Parenthood to support. Science and Tech Geek that I am, I selected one referencing climate change.
Our supporters Tom and Ken marched with us.
A few of the great signs as we waited for the rally to begin.
The crowd grows.
On the March:
People of all ages, all ethnicities, all genders.
Derby Girls
"I can't believe we still have to protest this shit" either.
Rally at the end of The March.
Yes, you can.
This statue was at the end of The March though yesterday we could not get through the crowd to see it.
We must keep the momentum going and not give up or forget the rights we are fighting for. Fight for our daughters and for our granddaughters and for all of the generations to come. Fight for science. Fight for religious freedom. Fight for acceptance of all people no matter the color of their skin. Fight for education. Fight for the freedom to control our own bodies. Fight against persecution. Fight against those who do not respect others. Fight against bigotry, misogyny, and xenophobia.
Fight.
