Voices from the Womxn's March on Seattle

On Jackson, headed toward 4th Ave
Photo by Janet Way

By Diane Hettrick

The Womxn's March on Seattle took place on Saturday, January 21, 2017. The 3.6 mile route ran from Judkins Park in the Central District to Seattle Center on Queen Anne Hill, going through downtown Seattle on 4th Avenue.

There were so many marchers that the front of the March reached Seattle Center before the back of the March began.

It started and ended with rallies and there were eight "soapbox speakers" along the way. Crowd estimates range from 120 - 200,000 marchers. Many joined along the way.

By every account, the march was peaceful and inspirational.

Shoreline resident Sis Polin said "It was a loving, peaceful, and hopeful experience"

Many local people were in the March as individuals and as groups.

L-R Maryn Wynne, Pat Weber, Sharon Knight from Shoreline
and Linda Marie from North Seattle.

Maryn Wynne

This was an amazing event to participate in. The energy was strong and peaceful. The seeds have been planted.

 We cannot let hate dominate our national conversation. Instead of reacting we need to be proactive. That is what we are trying to change.

l-r Carol Glenn, Kendahl Adjorlolo, Sue Falk, Veronica Cook
Photo courtesy Kendahl Adjorlolo

Kendahl Adjorlolo

I marched because the newly inaugurated president does not realize he has trampled on the people he claims to want to unify: my Mexican neighbors; my immigrant family members; my disabled friends; our muslim partners in prayer who have sacrificed family in service to this country; and me, a woman. 

Marching is a quiet, but strong way to make a point. We are numerous, we are paying attention, and we will not sit back and allow lies and vitriol lead us. 

Today I marched in step with neighbors and friends as well as men women and children of all genders and ages and colors and ethnic backgrounds. 

We marched for many causes, but we all supported each other, knowing each of us wants to work together peacefully for everyone's personal rights, so collectively we are a strong and unified America. Every one of us wants President Trump to change his tune.

Janet Way with a poster of her grandmother's
cousin Alice Paul, a women's rights activist

Janet Way

This event was a remarkable, awesome, and  massive affirmation of people caring about Women's Rights and their country's future. Everyone was patient, friendly and helpful. 

The event was quite well organized and the coordination nationally and internationally today was remarkable.

Photo by Joe Cunningham

Joe Cunningham

We were with the Richmond Beach Congregational Church youth group and a number of church members.

Chuck Cook, Mary Jo Heller, Mimma Cook, Theresa Jarvis, Dennis Heller
All Shoreline residents except Theresa, who works in Shoreline

Mary Jo Heller

What an honor it was to be part of the largest woman-powered demonstration in the history of the world. Men too walked in support. This was a message to the president that he cannot ignore the hopes and desires of a majority in the country. 

A March Volunteer

Did I tell you how peaceful the marchers were?  I heard many of them thanking the police for their service keeping order and keeping them safe.

Janet Way, Dan Jacoby, Carin Chase, Heather Fralick
32nd District Democrats

Anonymous Volunteer

It was a very uplifting event for the marchers as I was told by many that they were quite depressed on November 8th and particularly the day of the inauguration. 

They felt the first twinge of hope when they participated in the march. There were many men in the march and many on the sidelines along the route who had signs and cheered us on.

Faren Bachells on Richmond Beach Road

Faren Bachells - A march of one

I'm getting over bronchitis and caring for a family member who just had surgery, but I was determined to get out there and stand (well, sit) with my brothers and sisters! 

Marchers had only praise for Metro and Seattle Police

Metro Transit had extra busses available and just started running free shuttles at the congestion points. At the end of the rally they shuttled everyone back downtown to make their regular connections. They put an alert out to their riders to warn them that every bus route was liable to be off schedule for the day.

Updated 1-23-2017