<p>About 150 people gathered at Five Corners in Vineyard Haven Saturday afternoon to mark the first anniversary of the women’s march.</p>
About 150 people gathered at Five Corners in Vineyard Haven Saturday afternoon to mark the first anniversary of the women’s march to protest the inauguration of President Trump.
The demonstration was held in solidarity with women in hundreds of cities and towns across the nation.
The large group chanted and waved signs as some motorists driving through the busy intersection honked horns and waved in appreciation.
Students add their voices: clockwise from left, Kaela Vecchia Zeitz, Calla Potluri, Nate D'Angelo, Oliver Silberstein, Lila Norris.
Students add their voices: clockwise from left, Kaela Vecchia Zeitz, Calla Potluri, Nate D'Angelo, Oliver Silberstein, Lila Norris.
One sign said “Love helps everything.” Another said “We march, we run (for office).” Yet another said simply, “Enough.”
Sophia Nelson said it was important for her to take part in the march.
“I think women have too long been denied so many human rights and so much dignity by the government,” Ms. Nelson said. “I think everything the Trump administration stands for is blatantly anti-woman and anti-feminist. I’ll do everything I can to show up for women everywhere.”
She said she does not think the political climate has changed since the first march a year ago.
“No, The only thing that’s changed is people’s resolve to fight,” said Ms. Nelson. “I think the policies have gotten worse. But I think people are more ready than ever to fight.”
Others disagreed about the state of the women’s movement.
“I think it’s better,” said Janet Packer. “We’re taking charge. We’re getting into seats in Congress. We’re getting where we need to be. Our voices are getting heard.”
Sandy Bernat marched in Boston last year and brought her granddaughter to the event at Five Corners this year.
“To stand up and voice my opinion,” Ms. Bernat said. “We all have our own little thoughts about what’s important right now but I think we all agree that we have to have our voices heard.”
Comments
This is whats wrong with the
Islander On IslandThis is whats wrong with the country. Even if you don't like the fact that he won the election he is our President so give it a chance and support him for the years he is in office. Don't protest.
What is right about our
Marsha Shufrin AquinnahWhat is right about our country is that every citizen has the right to peaceful protest!
This country was founded on
Daniel Cooney West TisburyThis country was founded on protests, Boston Tea Party sound familiar? You have the right to speak your mind freely, thank a protestor for that. "Don't protest," most asinine thing I've ever heard--spoke too soon Stable Genius just tweeted again.
Yes, he's the president -
Carol formerly ChilmarkYes, he's the president - that's why we're marching - a year of chaos, racism, and now a government shutdown. I marched in Oakland, CA, and am glad to see the Island had a march again. Good job, sisters. Protest is very American!
Couldn't agree more.
Linda EdgartownCouldn't agree more.
Why should we give racism,
Susanna J Sturgis WEST TISBURYWhy should we give racism, xenophobia, small-mindedness, and extreme incompetence a chance? Would you tolerate this in your business, organization, or family? I hope not!
Ever read the Constitution?
Will OBEver read the Constitution? Did you ever hear of freedom of speech? Trump is president. Not king or dictator.
Are any of these marchers
Paulli D EdgartownAre any of these marchers going to watch the Bachelor this week? You know the show where women throw themselves at a good looking guy? The show is very demeaning, but we watch it?
Also the Gazzette why not ask what rights that women don’t have curious to know.
No Paulli D. We will not be
Lila West TisburyNo Paulli D. We will not be watching the bachelor however if we wanted to we would have the right to do that. Don’t use the actions of other women to dismiss feminism.
Way to go, Vineyarders! Good
Kathy Laskowski Oak bluffsWay to go, Vineyarders! Good job organizing and following through. Persist!!
Kathy, it was a great turnout
Sarah Nevin EdgartownKathy, it was a great turnout today of enthusiastic, determined people who are willing to stand up and fight peacefully for women's rights, tolerance, universal health care, gun control, immigrants rights, environmental protection and all that a peaceful world has to offer. "This is what democracy looks like" was chanted over and over, "We shall overcome" was song with its heartfelt passion. There were mother & fathers with their small children teaching them what activism looks like. Many people there brought their own signs and held them high while the cars went by honking and waving support. We loved being there and know you were "there" too.
There is a small window of
Brian PackishThere is a small window of time over the next month to secure nomination papers in our Towns on Martha’s Vineyard for election to local offices. Please consider serving your community in one of the many offices up for election.
"I am male, sorry" Wow! Youth
Matt Edgartown"I am male, sorry" Wow! Youth truly is wasted on the young. If being born a male makes someone automatically guilty of something them maybe we as a society need to take a hard look at ourselves or the direction some of us want us to go. Plenty of good guys out here.
Don't get me wrong I'm all for the message, just thinks it needs some tightening up.
When I took the picture to
Peter Simon ChilmarkWhen I took the picture to which you refer, we all just got a good chuckle over that sign. The self deprecation isn’t meant to be taken literally. Lighten up!
These women aren't mad at
Male EdgartownThese women aren't mad at good guys. I feel zero threat and offer my complete support to their cause, not that they need it. It is great to see them out in the streets sharing a message that empowers all good and decent people of all genders.
Obviously these protesters
BS OBObviously these protesters have an estranged relationship with the facts. During the Trump administration women have been appointed to positions of power unheard of in other administrations and women unemployment rate the lowest in decades. The #metoo movement would never have been possible with Hillary as president. The media would never have outed Clinton buddy and donor Weinstien if Hillary had won. As time goes on I feel these protests will diminish as these protesters will be exposed as foolish.
It was exhilarating! Maybe
Susanna J Sturgis WEST TISBURYIt was exhilarating! Maybe the best part was realizing how many of us have become MORE involved in the last year. Vineyarders always come through in an emergency, and the 45 administration is an emergency of the most serious kind.
It was great to see so many
Alida O'Loughlin OBIt was great to see so many people get together to protest. Largest demonstration I have seen at 5 Corners. And yes, everybody, run for office!
Unemployment down, crime down
Elizabeth EdgartownUnemployment down, crime down, taxes down, wages up. DACA will get permanent legal status, and we will all get better security in a world run by some very bad guys. Not too shabby. Other than emotion and a desire to return to the 60's, not sure what the marching is all about.
Add new comment