RI Women’s Solidarity Rally

On Saturday January 21st, 2017 a “sister rally” coinciding with the Women’s March in Washington, DC, took place at the steps to the RI State House. I have been photographing in Providence for the past six months, both street photography as well as photographing events such as the Gay Parade, PVD Fest and now the Woman’s Demonstration. I arrived early around 11am. Event volunteers were just setting up a few tables adjacent to the brick walkway leading to the State House steps . Technicians were running cable and erecting stands to hold speakers and microphones. The weather was cool as you needed a coat but before the rally time most coats would be worn tied around waists. I met Shanna Wills, organizer of this event, who said they expected around 2,500 people to “show up”. In short order numbers of Rhode Islanders began filling the walkways and grass areas surrounding the State House. A trickle became a stream and by 12:30 the stream was running rapids. As you see by the photographs and reports in the local paper an estimated 7,500 peaceful women, men and children were in attendance. Three times the expected attendance. The crowd was diverse and focused on its purpose which was to show non-violent support for the rights of women, men and children regardless of race, religion and or political affiliation. The election of Donald Trump to the Presidency of the United States and Mike Pence, former Governor of Indiana to the office of Vice President began a movement against the platform and proposed policies of the Republican Party. This was less an anti-Trump demonstration as it was an anti-Republican party platform which over the course of this election cycle disparage women, their words and actions. Saturday’s demonstration in Washington coincided with 161 Sister Rallies throughout this country as a sign of unified strength. One important goal, as stated by one of the speakers, is to let our elected representatives know “we are watching.

In attendance were a number of RI Representatives, Congressman, and our Governor Gina Raimondo. Speakers inspired often chanting the slogan “rise up” as a call to action. The words “rise up” was repeated in vocal mass by the crowd who shouted “rise up, rise up”. At one point Shanna Wills directed the crowd that should any protesters show up “do not to engage rather shout in solidarity” “rise up, rise up”. “Be non-violent Ms. Wills emphasized. In less than 5 minutes crowds of people to my right began shouting “rise up, rise up”. Then a very angry looking young man began shouting ‘Trump, Trump.” I mention this not to bring attention to this young man on this day of inspiration, but rather, to say that his protest was but a drop of water in an ocean of like-minded peaceful people standing up for their liberty. I quickly snapped one photo of the Trump supporter then thought this day is not about “him” so I put down my camera and shouted “rise up”.

Not knowing what to expect at this rally I was taken aback by not just by the ethnic diversity of the attendees but also by their age. Moms and dads brought their children, certainly teaching them that part of being a citizen is to voice dissent when needed. A lesson in civics that my be absent from today’s educational curriculum. Many people were carrying signs, hand-made as well as web designed and printed. Many with personal messages written on them. Two of my favorites were:  OMG –  GOP – WTF and a sign held up by two women whom surely had seen and done this before. Their sign read: WHY DO WE STILL HAVE TO PROTEST THIS SHIT? I believe this day was completely organized and produced by women. There were no delays except for a short one to allow for crowds of people coming in. There were no glitches, no violence, no arrests as civility prevailed.  Lastly, that day energized me. I am aboard, on the train. I will go the distance. “Count me in.”

The following are images that caught my eye, my attention. I feel they represent, the energy, purpose and strength of this “movement’.