Overview:
The People’s March took place on Jan. 18 from noon to 2 p.m., starting at the Save Mart Center, in response to Trump.
Hundreds gathered outside Fresno’s Save Mart Center on Saturday, just hours before President-elect Donald Trump’s formal return to office, rallying with signs that read: “Elect a criminal, expect crimes,” “keep abortion legal,” “we the people means everyone,” and “love is love.”
The People’s March in Fresno was part of a coordinated effort by the Women’s March organization, across the U.S. on Jan. 18 to advocate for human rights.
Women’s March is known for the worldwide protest that happened on Jan. 21, 2017, in response to Trump’s misogynistic rhetoric and policies seen as a threat to women’s rights.
In an interview with Fresnoland, Amanda Gann, the main organizer of the Central Valley chapter, said she felt compelled to organize the People’s March in Fresno to “focus not just on women’s rights, but also on the rights of LGBTQ+ people, people of color, and persons of all abilities.”
“Visibility and spreading awareness about all these different issues, where there will be many rights on the line, are crucial,” said Gann. “We’re saying, ‘We’re here, we’re standing up for these things,’ and hoping this will spark a movement for others to join.”
Many organizations and local advocacy groups joined the march, such as the Peace Coalition of Fresno, Universalist Unitarian church, Planned Parenthood and the Dolores Huerta Foundation.
Sky Basaerian, a local activist, said they joined the march to support their community, inspired by social media posts spreading the word about the event.
“Everyone deserves human rights,” said Basaerian. “We need to stand up for everyone—now more than ever.”
Around 12:30 p.m, guest speaker Kwamise Fletcher, known as Lady K Poetry across social media platforms, recited poetry that set the tone for marchers.
“I was a little discouraged after the latest election results,” said Fletcher. “And to see all of you here gathered together gives me hope that there is still human decency in this world.”
She recited two poems reflecting on her Blackness, cultural identity, and humanity.
“They teach you early that your presence is a question, a challenge, a defiance in a land that reads your power as a threat,” recites Fletcher.
After she finished reciting poetry, marchers began moving toward Cedar and Shaw before circling back to the Save Mart Center.
During the march, various groups chanted slogans supporting LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, Palestine, and human rights.
Katie Meyers, a local activist involved with Palestinian protests in Fresno, shared her joy at seeing increased support through honking horns in solidarity, rather than hostility, noting that “people are learning the truth” about the situation in Palestine and other parts of the world.
“Everything is connected,” said Meyers. “What’s happening with Mexican farm workers to women’s rights, and other issues that we’re marching for, are all connected.”
Rene Paredes, a history professor at Lemoore College, joined the Central Valley chapter after last November’s march and has since managed media communications to keep people informed about the group.
“We want people to know there are others advocating for them, even if they’re not in a position to advocate for themselves right now,” said Paredes. “As this next administration progresses, people might feel angry, frustrated, and attacked, so we need to keep people together. If that continues, people will continue to be more involved.”
The chapter’s five-member team has been spreading awareness about their organization while standing in solidarity with other human rights groups. They have also learned from protests like the one organized by LGBTQ+ Fresno last October against the Westboro Baptist Church’s anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ tour at Roosevelt High School.
Gann said the chapter also aims to canvas, gather petition signatures, contact congressional representatives to advocate for their goals, and organize a book club to deepen their understanding of people’s rights.
One of the next events that the Central Valley Women’s March will have is on March 8, to celebrate Women’s Day.
