Women’s March SLO celebrates five years of activism with rally
‘Engage for Equity’ rally will feature speakers, performers, community leaders, local nonprofits
– The Women’s March San Luis Obispo (WMSLO) will celebrate its fifth anniversary during Women’s History Month with a rally advocating for women’s rights, equity, and inclusive democracy. This family-friendly event will take place on March 5 in Mitchell Park, San Luis Obispo. Local nonprofit organizations will be present in Call to Action Alley from noon until 4 p.m. The rally will feature a lineup of speakers, performers, and community leaders who will address the public between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
“When we first came together five years ago, we set out to send a clear message that women’s rights are human rights,” said Andrea Chmelik, WMSLO co-executive director. “What we’ve learned since then is that only an engaged community can deliver a positive and just future that we want to see. We put hope, resilience, and action in the center of our efforts, and we are excited to celebrate this milestone with people who are actively involved in making SLO County a more inclusive and welcoming place.”
Among the speakers are Wendy Lucas, a member of the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe; Erica A. Stewart, Mayor of San Luis Obispo; Yessenia Echevarria, co-founder of Paso People’s Action; Serrina Ruggles, GALA Pride and Diversity Center director of operations; Eve Barajas, Paso Robles High School Equality Club president; Ben Vargas, Jeackie Beatty and Gracie Edler, past and current co-presidents of Planned Parenthood Generation Action, and poet Dian Sousa. Mackenzie Fell, aka DJ Felly Fell, will provide musical entertainment.
“We are facing a number of critical issues – from reproductive freedom, to racial injustice, to voter suppression, to climate crisis and more – and sometimes it can all feel too overwhelming. The rally is a perfect place to connect with people and organizations who have been on the frontlines of the advocacy for social justice, and find ways to get involved in causes that matter to you the most,” said Chmelik.
Participants are encouraged to bring signs that illustrate the issues that they care about, and follow COVID-19 safety protocol, including social distancing and masking. The rally will be followed by Femme Sessions after-party on the patio of Bliss Cafe, with performances from DJs, dancers, drag queens, and artists. The after-party is organized by SubSessions, open and free to all, and will run from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
For more details visit womensmarchslo.com/engage-for-equity, or follow @womensmarchslo on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Women’s March SLO is a fiscally sponsored non-profit organization with a mission of building a women-friendly world through education, advocacy, and action. Learn more about them at womensmarchslo.com.
