SEQUIM — A rally for women’s rights filled the southeast corner of Sequim Avenue and Washington Street at 1st Security Bank Park in Sequim last weekend.
The rally was Saturday.
Dianne Drake, originator of the peace gathering and candlelight ceremony through Facebook invites, said the idea came to her in November and that she wanted to support the community and her friends who she felt were hurting following the general election.
“I just wanted them to shine their light,” she said.
No signs, yelling
Organizers encouraged participants simply to be there and not bring signs — although a few were there — and not to shout or use negative rhetoric.
Steffany Barber, co-organizer, said the turnout was more than she expected.
“I’m absolutely floored,” she said.
“We are here standing in solidarity for all human rights.”
For more information on the women’s rights movement, visit www. womensmarch.com.
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Olympic Peninsula News Group is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum.
Barbara Thompson, left, and Ruthann Toney hold candles during a peace rally last Saturday in downtown Sequim. Thompson, who marched in Port Townsend earlier in the day for women’s rights, said she feels frightened of what may be coming from the new administration in Washington, D.C. “I’m here to stand up for everyone who may be or feel marginalized,” she said. “I’m hoping to protect our rights.” Toney said she was elated to see so many people unite and that it shows “the power of one becoming many.” (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Kathi White and Donna Maclean hold one of the few signs up at the women’s rights rally in downtown Sequim last Saturday. Maclean said their sign is a response to President Donald Trump calling his opponent Hillary Clinton a “nasty woman” at a debate. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
People gather last Saturday at the southeast corner of Washington Street and Sequim Avenue for women’s rights. Organizers estimate more than 100 people attended. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
People gather last Saturday at the southeast corner of Washington Street and Sequim Avenue for women’s rights. Organizers estimate more than 100 people attended. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group People gather last Saturday at the southeast corner of Washington Street and Sequim Avenue for women’s rights. Organizers estimate more than 100 people attended.
