Thousands from across the state march on the polls in W-S
On the anniversary of the largest single-day demonstration in U.S. history, armed with signs and an array of chants, thousands of women and men marched through the streets of downtown Winston-Salem last weekend to encourage women and other minorities to exercise their right to vote.
Last January to advocate legislation and policies regarding human rights and others, issues more than 3 million woman marched in Washington, D.C.
Before taking to the streets protesters gathered at Corpening Plaza for a rally where the crowd seemed to grow by the minute. While the march wasn’t scheduled to begin until noon many arrived as early as 10 a.m. to chat and make connections with other activists.
Several voter registration booths were also set up around the plaza.
“When I heard about this I knew I had to be here,” said Carolyn Jones from High Point. “It’s important that we let it be known that we have a voice and that we exercise our rights as Americans.”
Jen Jones, a member of Democracy NC, one of the sponsors of the Triad Women’s March on the Polls, said the march was not just about women’s rights but the rights of all Americans who face injustice.
“We are not one issue people but we are one people united,” Jones said.
While addressing the crowd at Corpening Plaza Mayor Allen Joines said, now is the time to put our collective power to bring about meaningful change in the state legislature.
He continued, “Now is the time to support the campaigns of progressive candidates who will make a difference. Now is the time to make sure hate, racism, sexism, and fear laundering don’t divide us as a city, a state and a nation.”
City native and former City Council Member Virginia Newell encouraged protesters during the rally as well. As she stood before the crowd in her dark colored shades, Newell who turned 100 years old last October thanked protesters for continuing the fight.
“The main thing is to get out and vote. Don’t just carry yourself carry your neighbors. Get your family, take them to the polls,” Newell said. “You read it, where in Alabama we saw a difference in voting because the women got together and got a progressive candidate.”
“It’s not enough to register the most important thing that we can do is vote.”
The march began shortly before 2 p.m. and snaked along Second, Fourth, and North Main streets. Thousands could be seen for miles carrying signs, many aimed at the GOP and the Trump Administration. When protesters in front of the march reached the final stretch of the route on Second Street, in the distance they could see other protesters making there way past the Pepper Building on Fourth Street, which ignited spirits even more.
“That’s an amazing sight to see,” said one protestor.
