RENO, Nev. (NEWS 4 & FOX 11) — 10,000 people flooded the streets of downtown Reno to support the global movement, "Women's March on Washington."
This "sister march" stands in solidarity with the protesters at our nation's capitol in Washington D.C. It has become an act of resistance against "Washington, Congress, the Senate, our president," to protect human rights, especially women's equality.
Following a day after Donald Trump's inauguration, hundreds of thousands took to the streets around the world, including activists in Reno. Marchers shuffled from the federal courthouse to the City Plaza, in front of the "BELIEVE" sign.
Organizers estimated nearly 2,000 northern Nevada women and men but the Reno Police Department reports 10,000 people.
The two-hour event had seven speakers, including a band that sung political tunes. Verita Black Protho Reno businessperson inspired the huge crowd near the end, "The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word 'we.' We the people. We shall overcome. And yes we can."
There were multiple messages being voiced at the march. Some for women's equality, "Water is Life," immigrant acceptance, minority rights, protection for veterans and basic human rights such as the freedom of press.
Latina Against Domestic Violence Activist Cory Hernedez shared, "Our message today is that we are stronger together," and "that violence against women doesn't fly in Reno, Nevada."
Sarah Beth Morgan Brown of Reno said she was a Republican until this past election. She jumped ship and supported Hillary Clinton and Catherine Cortez Masto. At this time in her life, there are still some firsts, but she vowed to no longer stay quiet. "I thought to be silent at 61 is a bad idea. I've got to step up and suddenly be the kind of person that I need to be and participate. I've never done a protest before."
Jill Cushing of Gardnerville walked around with a Donald Trump puppet pierced with needle pins. Cushing is part of the anti-Trump movement and urges people to stand against what she believes is an administration that will set the country back. "We're hoping not to step into the way back machine and have all of these wonderful works done by people before us literally go up in smoke. If he and his henchmen have their ways and a select few, that's a real threat to the rest of us." Cushing said since Trump's campaign, it has been divisive, "It all started with his announcement in 2015. It was nothing but hateful. It goes to show that you can have all the money in the world and have no class."
To get involved you can click here for the national website https://www.womensmarch.com/ or call your local congress member 202-225-3121.