Last Updated on January 22, 2018, 10:57 AM | Published: January 20, 2018
“We’re pissed off and we’re not going anywhere,” said Krystal Lambert. It seemed to represent the general tone of the 2018 version of the Women’s March Saturday in Oklahoma City.
She held a sign that said, “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”
Lambert was one of hundreds who came to the march one year later still protesting the personal behaviors and policies of President Donald Trump and the policies of Republican-controlled Oklahoma and national government.
Organizers estimated the crowd at 5,000 to 6,500.
Massive marches in response to Trump occurred across the U.S. the day after his inauguration in 2017.
The crowd was large enough to stretch the entire parade route from the south steps of the Capitol, south down Lincoln Boulevard, across on NE 17th Street and then back up to the Capitol.
The march was bracketed by rally speeches before and after.
“Chingona”
Annie Menz was a young Latina who showed up at the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City for the rally.
She held a sign that was an in-your-face Latina version of the many bold signs at the rally. It said “Chingona” and had two arrows that pointed down at her as she held it up.
“It’s a term that some in the Hispanic community consider to be a bad word,” said Menz. “The most positive meaning of the term is ‘badass woman’ who is strong and can take care of herself.”
“For justice”
Before the march, Connie Johnson, candidate for governor in the Democratic Party, gave a passionate speech drawing shouts and applause.
“We’re here for justice,” Johnson shouted. “We’re marching for a better day!”
“How many of you think that what’s going in this Capitol behind us is old, bored and worn-out?” she asked the cheering crowd.
“Rights paramount”
Jill McFall brought her step-daughter, Abby, and daughter, Audry to the rally. They all held signs supporting the rights of women.
“I came today to show my girls that women should have equal and human rights,” said McFall.
“Rights are paramount,” she said.
Her step-daughter, Abby was participating in the chants that were being led during the pre-march rally.
“I just think everyone’s rights are important,” she said.
Change
Southside state Senator Michael Brooks-Jimenez joined some of his constituents from SD44 in the march.
He said he was there because he and many of his constituents are “ready for change and willing to work for it.”
Two women who were in the march were wearing their pink hats that were a signature of the women’s rights marches across the U.S. the day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Jane Mata and Ciji Bowen both said that they were still demonstrating for women’s rights a year later.
“I’m here for my granddaughter,” said Mata.
Red bandanna
Representatives of the Goodhearted People’s Camp near Harrah participated in the march carrying their large banner and wearing red bandannas.
“The bandannas are for all the missing and murdered indigenous women,” said Riann Bigsoldier, one of the leaders of the camp who brought her daughter, Silvia.
“Our camp is to remind people of the ways indigenous people are being hurt by our government’s policies,” Bigsoldier said.
Founder, publisher, and editor of Oklahoma City Free Press. Brett continues to contribute reports and photography to this site as he runs the business.
