WM 1-17-18
The second annual Women’s March on Wyoming will take place on Jan. 20th 2018 at the Cheyenne Depot Plaza and Museum. Wyoming women and allies were inspired to organize a 2017 ‘sister march’ of the Women’s March on Washington, which over 1 million people took to the streets in peaceful demonstrations across the country launching a new movement for human rights, women’s rights and justice.
Spearheaded by first time-organizers and seasoned activists, the second march is a response to enduring nearly a year of divisive and harmful rhetoric and policy decisions from the President’s administration and federal, state, and local elected officials. While each person may have their own reasons for marching, the mission is to bring people together to take a stand on issues that deeply impact all of us. The 2018 march will seek to reaffirm the core American values of freedom and democracy for all at a time when many fear that their voices are being silenced, specifically related to women’s rights, immigrant rights, worker rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ and Two Spirit rights, environmental rights, rights for all races, and religious freedom.
The march is bringing together people of all backgrounds, races, religions, gender identities, ages and abilities, as well as communities of immigrants. While led by women, all are welcome to attend the march. A full press release including the march route, speakers list, and agenda will be released by January 23rd.
“We are facing so many challenges, and it is important for all of us to be more informed, more involved and more inclusive.” said Arshi Rizwani-Nisley a Cheyenne educator and featured speaker. Sara Burlingame, march organizer said, “Wyoming women give me hope. If I was a legislator trying to take away healthcare or spread panic and fear about our transgender sisters, I would think twice after seeing how committed and courageous the women of Wyoming are in defending our values of fairness and equality. Damn right we’re ready.”
“We’re excited that women across Wyoming are organizing to stand together in solidarity. Our unity will send a strong and clear message that women and our allies will continue to protect our rights, our health, our safety and our communities,” said Shayna Lonoaea-Alexander, an organizer of Women’s March on Wyoming. “This march and rally shows a powerful and inclusive movement, and that we’re not going away.”