One year ago and one day after the inauguration of admitted sexual assaulter Donald Trump, the streets of Washington, D.C., cities across the United States and beyond filled with sign-carrying, pink pussy-ear hatted protesters taking part in the Women's March. Eureka's march was the largest in the city's history, with organizers reporting some 7,000 to 8,000 attendees, or roughly 6 percent of Humboldt County. For those not feeling like America is being made great again, it's time to fluff up those pussy hats and start making signs for the Eureka Women's March on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m.

The march will start at Eureka's Madaket Plaza (formerly C Street Plaza) with a rally at 1 p.m. before setting off down the street at 2 p.m. As of today, organizers say the city of Eureka has approved the permit, the police have approved the march route, which is a slightly different path than last year. Streets won't be closed but traffic will be slowed for the march. Humboldt-Del Norte Counties Central Labor Council is covering liability insurance and the last major concern to nail down is the portable toilets. So far the rally lineup includes speakers from the council and from North Coast Rape Crisis Center, a to-be-named representative from the Yurok Tribe and a speaker from the Humboldt State University's Office of Diversity, but more are promised and updates will appear on the Women's March on Eureka 2018 Facebook page.


"I'm hoping we have as much of a turnout as we did last year, which was really surprising," says Rae Robison, who's helping organize volunteers. This year's planning got a late start but response has been strong. "A lot of people are pitching in here and making it happen, which is great," she says.

A press release from organizer Allison Edrington states, "We believe that Women’s Rights are Human Rights and Human Rights are Women’s Rights. We must create a society in which women — including Black women, Native women, poor women, immigrant women, disabled women, Muslim women, non-binary folks, lesbian queer and trans women — are free and able to care for and nurture their families, however they are formed, in safe and healthy environments free from structural impediments." It also outlines several themes for the event, including: "Get Out the Vote;" "Voices Must Be Heard;" "#MeToo and #TimesUp" and  "Reclaiming Our Democracy." Robison notes that the "reclaiming our democracy" theme is meant to cross party lines to include anyone who has concerns about the government they want to address, with more than one organization on site to register voters. "The more engaged we are, the better off we'll be," says Robison.

Organizers encourage those interested in volunteering — help is still needed for setup and teardown, as well as directing traffic — or who need a wheelchair to attend the march, to email [email protected] or call (707) 572-5251.

See the full press release for the event below:

January 15, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Women’s March on Eureka Planned for Saturday, Jan. 20


EUREKA, Calif. — The Women’s March on Eureka will join others around the nation in rallying and marching together on Saturday, Jan. 20, starting at the C Street Plaza at 1 p.m.

We believe that Women’s Rights are Human Rights and Human Rights are Women’s Rights. We must create a society in which women - including Black women, Native women, poor women, immigrant women, disabled women, Muslim women, non-binary folks, lesbian queer and trans women - are free and able to care for and nurture their families, however they are formed, in safe and healthy environments free from structural impediments.

This year’s message:
● Get Out the Vote!
● Voices Must Be Heard
● #MeToo and #TimesUp
● Reclaiming Our Democracy

The 2018 Women’s March on Eureka will start with a rally at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, on the C Street Plaza in Old Town. We’ve invited several community organizations to participate and speak, and we are currently working on confirming more speakers for the rally.

The Humboldt-Del Norte Counties Central Labor Council has generously offered to sponsor the liability insurance (and big thanks to SEIU for their support in making that happen!). We are excited to have a speaker from the CLC as well as The North Coast Rape Crisis Team, and we look forward to announcing more speakers as they are confirmed.

Shortly after 2 p.m., we will start the march. We are confirming our route with the city via the special event permit process and will announce the route once it is finalized.

Visit the Facebook event for updated information https://www.facebook.com/events/143666453087704.

Want to get involved? Need to request a wheelchair for the march? Contact us at [email protected] or (707) 572-5251.

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Contact
Allison Edrington
(707) 572-5251
[email protected]