Photo by Dominic Brown
Dominic Brown
Lantern Staff
On Saturday, Jan. 21 3,000 men, women and children gathered in downtown Wichita at the Keeper of the Plains to commune in solidarity. There was no protesting. There was no rioting or acts of violence. There was not a single bit of negativity.
“I couldn’t imagine not coming out,” marcher Rebekah Blakey said. “It makes me comforted to see so many allies here.”
3,000 people of every race, age and background came together to let it be known that they were ready to stand together to protect the rights of women against attacks on women’s rights.
“I think it’s really important so many have come together, especially seeing some of my dude friends,” Allie Shook-Shoup said. “It’s great.”
The march was organized by Brandi Calvert, Tamber Lee and Adriane Dahl. Everybody congregated along the north end of the Keeper of the Plains across from historic Delano district starting at 9 a.m. As people began pouring in, extra signs were being passed around and the march coordinators ushered newcomers to the field between the Arkansas River and Central Avenue. One of the coordinators had brought a guitar and began leading the mass in song placing everybody in the proper mindset. Onsite reporter Olivia Vest began interviewing Brandi Calvert, one of the organizers.
At 10:30 a.m. the march began. It was a mile from the Keeper of the Plains to City Hall, and the entire length was covered in signs showing a powerful message of unity.
“I have chills, and it’s not because I’m cold,” Blakely said.
Once the group arrived at City Hall there was an introductory song performed by musician Lacey Cruse. Calvert welcomed everybody in attendance and was followed by leaders of respected community speakers with topics ranging from the defense of Planned Parenthood and health care to reproductive rights and empowering women. There were also members of the Latina community singing and dancing. The representative came forward sharing an emotional story promoting strength. Speaker Julie Burkhart emphasized the importance of women’s reproductive rights, altogether messages resonating with everybody in attendance.
“I march for my mother who couldn’t take a beating one more time,” Karen Countrymen-Roswurm said. “I march for the voices who are squashed and stomped on by those who have more power.”
The event concluded with a final word and everybody singing “Respect” by Aretha Franklin.
The march in Wichita was one of many sister marches stemming from the March in Women’s March on Washington D.C. Apart from the messages sent to those in attendance, focal points can be found on the group’s Facebook page “Women’s March- Air Capital” as well as information for action following the march.
