Events - Women's March - 1 month later

Events – Women’s March – 1 month later

February 22, 2017 In BLOG Events

Yesterday (February 21, 2017) marked the 1 month anniversary of the Women’s March on Washington. A seemingly spontaneous worldwide movement that occurred the day after the new administration took office in the United States. The Women’s March on Washington has been held before but never one of this size or scope in participation.

Larger than expected crowd gathers at Jack Poole Plaza in downtown Vancouver BC for the Women’s March on Washington January 21, 2017.

Approximately 20,000 people turned out in support in Vancouver. Well above initial estimates of 5-6,000. The turnout was so much larger than expected, the police had to change the march route on the fly to accommodate everyone!

As the photographer charged with coordinating all the other volunteer photographers to capture as much of the event as possible, you can imagine the panic we felt when suddenly everyone turned right instead of left!! Under the circumstances a wonderful problem to have and we all were able to react and reposition immediately with the help of the crowd control officers relaying new route details as we ran along!

Millions more ga

thered in hundreds of cities and smaller towns worldwide. The purpose was not specifically to protest the administration, but to support women, diversity, equality, and everything those who rallied believe the new administration would not support.

Women were not the only ones in attendance. The march included men, women, and children, of all ages. It featured different races, religions, sexual orientations, and nationalities.

It was a very powerful and peaceful show of unity that included as many diverse signs as it did individuals.

There were thousands of signs – with powerful messages. Some signs were printed, but most were hand made and incredibly creative! There were may featuring a play on words and meanings – with very few duplicate messages.

Some of the messages on the signs included:

Events_WomensMarch_Vancouver_DifferentNotEnemy “Because it’s 2017” is a play on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s comments when asked why he chose a cabinet consisting of 50% women and minorities.

“Women’s Rights ARE Human Rights” – a phrase coined in the 1990s by Hillary Clinton.

“Grab them by the Policy” is a spin on the President’s controversial quote that referenced women’s genitalia instead.

“We grab back” is another reference to the President’s quote.

There were also several pop culture references on signs:

“Hope” with the Star Wars Resistance logo in place of the “o”.

“A woman’s place is in the resistance” with images of the late Carrie Fisher.

“Without Hermione Harry would have DIED in Book ONE” referencing JK Rowling’s Harry Potter Series.

Some signs were very simple and straight forward:

“We will NOT go back”

“Not usually a sign guy but SERIOUSLY?!”

“We did NOT come this far ONLY to come this far”

“Love Trumps Hate”

“I can’t believe we’re still protesting this shit”

“Standing with Standing Rock”

“People of QUALITY do NOT fear EQUALITY”

“OMG GOP WTF?!”

It hasn’t stopped there!

Events_WomensMarch_Vancouver_2old2gay2mouthy

In fact, this seems to have marked just been the beginning. There has been a dramatic and undeniable shift in “the average person” doing what they can to make their voice / opinion heard. Marches, protests, rallies, attendance at town hall meetings have continued and grown in numbers. The media has started to report more people seeking to become more actively involved in politics and public office.

While the Women’s March on Washington was “spontaneous” they are now starting to formally organize. Local groups are forming with support coming nationally with more coordinate and strategic efforts. The mainstream media is not able to keep up with the coverage, especially of the smaller events. While they are all significant, in my opinion, they should have more coverage, more visibility, more exposure.

These are not just happening in the larger cities. Gatherings / Participation is happening in small towns, including those known for their more “conservative” view points across America.

The peaceful – though usually loud – message continues to be “Equality Diversity Inclusion”.

The Women’s March on Washington passes in front of the Trump Tower in Vancouver BC on January 21, 2017

Sign and facial expressions show mood at Women’s March Against Washington held at Jack Poole Plaza on January 21, 2017 in Vancouver BC.

Women’s March Against Washington held at Jack Poole Plaza on January 21, 2017 in Vancouver BC.

Women’s March Against Washington held at Jack Poole Plaza on January 21, 2017 in Vancouver BC.

People start to gather for the Women’s March Against Washington held at Jack Poole Plaza on January 21, 2017 in Vancouver BC.

Events – Women’s March – 1 month later

Events – Women’s March – 1 month later

Some of the messages on the signs included:

There were also several pop culture references on signs:

Some signs were very simple and straight forward:

It hasn’t stopped there!

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