The resistance showed up in strong force at the Denver Women’s March on Jan. 20 at Civic Park in Denver.
Tens of thousands of people from Colorado and beyond converged on the capitol to advocate for clean water and environmental protections, immigration reform and health care rights, equal pay for women and loving each other.
Some carried signs for reproductive rights and against assisted suicide and the sexual exploitation of women.
As they walked the streets, participants chanted, “hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go,” and “this is what democracy looks like.”
“Today we march for our sisters, our mothers, our grandmothers,” Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said at Civic Center Park before the march. “We march for our daughters, and yes, for our sons... We march for human rights and equal rights. And yes, Donald Trump, we march for our Dreamers today. And we also march for those who have marched before us so we can have the right to march today.”
MORE: Castle Rock group participates in 2017 march
Among those marching was Arvada resident Karen Rivera, who was joined by her sister, husband and children.
“The administration and our current government is a disaster,” she said. “And we need change.”
Rivera and her family marched in Washington D.C. last year during the first women’s march, which was held the day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Millions took to the streets last year in marches that unfolded in cities across the country.
A year later, Denver marchers say, Trump has spurred a combative culture, one that attacks groups ranging from people of color to the LGBTQ community. In response, protesters came out in a second wave of solidarity for all those they feel are threatened.
“I just want to show my support for all women,” said 14-year-old Denver resident Grace Leonard. The sign she hoisted above her head read, “Dumbledore wouldn’t let this happen,” — referring to the character from J.K. Rollins’ “Harry Potter” series.
The theme of this year’s march was “Power to the Polls,” encouraging people to vote for change. People weaved throughout the crowds, registering people to vote.
“Let your presence be clear today,” Hancock said. “We’re going to keep marching, we’re going to keep resisting and come November, we’re going to vote.”
