Politics | January 26th, 2019

Women’s March on Railroad Square

By: A'nire Glenn

“As a Latina woman, I constantly feel like I’m being oppressed by my own representatives,” Kimberly Scott said while Beyonce and Nicki Minaj’s “Feeling Myself” blasted in the background.

As the director of public policy for the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, Scott is determined to ensure representatives in Congress know how she feels.

The third annual Women’s March took place on January 19, 2019 at Railroad Square and was hosted by Planned Parenthood.

“I’m here because I support women and I support the rights of women. I think it’s important for these types of gatherings,” Barry Munroe said.

Munroe is a 58-year-old black man who has volunteered with Planned Parenthood for the past three years.

With different citizens expressing their views on women’s rights, it was clear to see there are many issues to be heard.

As a member of the Tallahassee Community Action Coalition, Cea Moline feels it necessary for everyone to be involved with causes concerning all members of society.

“We stand against sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia.We stand for police accountability,” Moline said as she talked about her organizations purpose.

She also drew attention to her feelings of separatism at the event.

“The truth is, what do most of these people stand for? I think it’s questionable. Why can we get so many white women here and not get white women to come out to police accountability events? Why don’t white people get involved in organizing immigration. Protecting immigrants?” Moline said. “Why don’t straight people get involved with trans issues? The question is, as a trans woman, am I supported by majority of the people here, which I would doubt.”

Tina Townsend frequents events like the Women’s March when available and will even bring her six-year-old daughter, Jordan.

“I think it’s important to set an example for her because society always tells her that because she’s a girl, she’s not as equal as her brother,” Townsend said. “I need her to know just because she’s a girl, that she is equal, that she’s not less than her brother.”

Organizations including Dream Defenders, The National Council of Negro Women and Tallahassee Community Action Coalition were in attendance for the march.

Also in attendance were three seniors from Navarre High School.

“I think we’re all here because firstly, we come from the most conservative region in Florida so we’ve seen firsthand how sexist not just older people can be, but also girls and boys our own age can be. We wanted to take a stand against that in our own way by just showing up here and supporting everyone today,” Maragat Harvey said.

“I find it very empowering to be around all of these women and men who are for the same progression and equality,” Lanie Knight said.

17-year-old Emily Sands is already passionate and active about protecting and establishing her reproductive rights.

“Since I’m on the verge of being an adult, reproductive health is a big part of adulthood. I just want to make sure my reproductive rights are secured,” Sands said.

The women’s march brought together many people of various backgrounds. One thing that was agreed upon was the need to show up and be heard.