Making History: Women’s March on Denver

Scenes From The Denver Women’s March

As many as 200,000 women, men and children participated in the Jan. 21 Women’s March in downtown Denver – including a legion of Park Hill residents.

In all, an estimated, 5.6 million people across the globe joined in a show of solidarity for women’s rights and for all marginalized groups of people. Demonstrations took place on every other continent, including Antarctica.

The estimated turnout was between 3.2 million and 4.6 million in the U.S. alone, making it the largest mass mobilization ever in U.S. history, according to researchers at the University of Denver and the University of Connecticut.  The protests took place in 914 cities – including the roughly half a million demonstrators in Washington, D.C. to a single protester who picketed in Show Low, Ariz.

In Denver, as elsewhere, marchers carried signs with messages that ranged from bawdy to humorous, clamorous to compassionate, temperate to vulgar.

The crowd offered up chants: “Love Not Hate, Makes Our Nation Great,” and “This Is What Democracy Looks Like.” One crowd took up the refrain, “Can’t Build A Wall, Hands Too Small.”

Many wore knitted pink pussyhats – including at least one male police officer who cheerfully posed for photos with the marchers. No arrests were reported.

Top photo by Laurie Callahan/Rendition Studios, all other photos by Cara DeGette

Women’s March On Denver Statement Of Mission

On January 21, 2017 we stand together to tell the nation and the administration-elect that:

1) All women shall maintain the freedom and lawful protection to choose what is best for them as it concerns their biological and reproductive health.

2) The diverse and vibrant communities of the United States of America shall be protected from political factions that would seek to inhibit their expression and existence by implementing legal restrictions on personal freedoms. These diverse and vibrant communities are the fabric of our great country and shall not be torn by hateful, divisive, and racist rhetoric or actions.

3) All people, regardless of gender, gender identification, ethnicity, racial heritage, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and/or socioeconomic status shall be treated equally and equitably, with respect, dignity and justice for all.

By bringing thousands of people together, we strive to provide an outlet and support for those who wish to:

1) Advocate for and defend the most marginalized members of our society.

2) Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations within local Colorado communities.

3) Serve as a model of peaceful demonstration for the young women and men, and girls and boys, who will be the leaders of tomorrow.

4) Honor the women and men who have come before us and fought for human and women’s rights.