Thousands rally for second Women's March on Raleigh one year since Trump inauguration
On the one year anniversary of the inauguration of President Donald Trump, between 5,000 and 10,000 people gathered in Raleigh's Halifax Mall to build support for a liberal-leaning agenda on issues such as women's rights, reproductive rights, immigration reform, healthcare reform, LGBTQ rights and environmental issues.
Saturday was the one-year anniversary of the Women's March on Raleigh, and was one of the rallies held around the country and world. The original Women's Marches were held a year ago this weekend as a response to the Trump presidency.
This year's Women's March also comes amid the growing #MeToo movement, which has shed light on sexual misconduct. It's also months before the midterm elections, and progressives are hoping to turn their activism into victories at the ballot box.
It featured music and more than a dozen women from different political, religious and activist groups.
Marchers gathered across the country hours after much of the federal government shut down when Congress failed to reach an agreement on a spending measure.
Beautiful weather all over our great country, a perfect day for all Women to March. Get out there now to celebrate the historic milestones and unprecedented economic success and wealth creation that has taken place over the last 12 months. Lowest female unemployment in 18 years!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018
Trump tweeted about the marches Saturday morning.
Many now claim the Women's March will become an annual event. The largest rallies in North Carolina were held in Charlotte, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Asheville and Hillsborough.
Some tiny feminists among those in Downtown Raleigh this morning #WomensMarch2018 #WRAL pic.twitter.com/sdkv0A0unI
— Hannah Webster (@HannahSWebster) January 20, 2018
Activists of all ages wore pink hats and carried handmade signs that read "We're still here" and "One year is enough."
Raleigh's crowd was diverse in age, race, gender and sexual orientation.
Among the protesters were also hundreds of children.
Holly Springs resident Amanda Lumm brought her 6- and 7-year-old daughters to Saturday's rally.
"I think it's just as important for them to get a taste of this as I get a taste of this, and that we can make our voices heard, so that change can happen," she said.
TODAY: Women's Marches are taking place in cities across the country. The Women's Rally On Raleigh just kicked off at 9am and runs until 1pm at Halifax Mall in downtown Raleigh. #womensmarch #wral pic.twitter.com/V1BFAtKRfZ
— Lena Tillett (@WRALLena) January 20, 2018
Michael Cutts brought his son and daughter to Halifax Square.
"I'm just here for the past, present and future of all women," Michael Cutts said. "My wife, my daughter, so that I could be a part of this progression."
Jessie Askew's toddler daughters came to the rally dressed as "Super Girl" and "Wonder Woman."
"I think it's important that we start early teaching them about women's rights and what activism is," she said. "As far as who they become, I just want them to be strong and kind."
Jill Burns said she hopes the movement will evolve to produce changes in their lifetimes.
She brought her daughters to the rally, including 11-year-old Delaney Burns.
"Because I should make as much as my brother," Delaney said.