Third Women's March Hopes To Increase Diversity

In a wave of pink pussyhats and punny posters, 5 million protestors took to America’s streets for the inaugural Women’s March in 2017, including 15,000 on Public Square.

Yet as a record 113 women serve in Congress this year, much work remains for the movement, says Women’s March Cleveland organizer Kathy Wray Coleman, who hopes turnout for this year’s Jan. 19 event sets a new mark.

“We’re going to continue to lead until they realize that women are people, too,” she says.

Flagship marches were criticized for lacking diversity but for the past two years, women of color have predominantly organized Women’s March Cleveland, creating more inclusive programming and attendance.

“We hope this event is led by all women, but black women especially, because Cleveland is a largely black city,” says Coleman, who worked with Women’s March Cleveland, Women’s March Northeast Ohio, Indivisible Cleveland and the National Council of Negro Women to organize this year’s event.

National march leaders have also faced accusations of anti-Semitism — allegations that have led to the cancelation of marches nationwide. The Cleveland Women's March has distanced itself from the national organization, and Susan Bro — the mother of Heather Heyer, who was murdered in 2017 while protesting against a white supremacy rally in Charlottesville, Virginia — will speak at the Jan. 19 event.

“Unless [all] women come together,” says Coleman, “we cannot fight the issues before us.” 10:30 a.m., Jan. 19, Public Square, Cleveland, womensmarch.com

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story stated that the National Council of Jewish Women Cleveland planned to speak at the event. The organization will not be speaking or participating in the Jan. 19 march.