A group of 30 west Kentucky residents lined the sidewalk next to the Robert Cherry Civic Center in Paducah on Sunday in support of the one-year anniversary of the Women’s March.
The group held signs that read “Love Trumps Hate” and “The Future Is Female," among others, and advocated for issues ranging from women’s rights to the DACA program.
Paducah Mayor Brandi Harless joined the event. She said she believes demonstrations like this are part of democracy. She said she would like to see more women run for office.
“When we think about who are making decisions for us, it’s definitely important that we are all represented. And we’re under represented now, so I think women should step up and run for office.” Harless said.
Called “Power to the Polls,” the second annual Women’s March urged participants across the nation to direct their energy to the voting booths in the November midterm elections.
Many in attendance said they attended the Women's March On Washington last January and were still protesting issues that were important to them last year. Organizer Laura Petrie said she believes the movement has grown after a year of President Donald Trump's administration.
"It's amazing a year later, to see that the movement has actually grown." Petrie said. "There are so many issues people are standing up for against this administration. Not just women's issues, but human rights of all shapes, sizes and colors. It's a very comprehensive movement."
Also in solidarity with the anniversary of the Women's March, the West Kentucky chapter of the National Organization of Women held a membership drive and voter registration on Saturday in Murray.
