After President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2016, women flooded the streets across the country in protest, marching for equality — Moscow was no exception.
In the three years following, residents of the Palouse have continued to join in solidarity with the rest of the United States, gathering Saturday afternoon in East City Park.
The event, which started at Moscow City Hall, was organized by Lysa Salsbury — director of University of Idaho Women’s Center — as well as other community members and organizations, such as the Washington State University Women’s Center and Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse.
Several individuals, including Salsbury, spoke during the march, advocating not only for the advancement of women and the end of violence toward them, but for all people, ethnicities and genders.
“Today, women and their allies everywhere are gathering to march for what is right and what is needed,” Salsbury said. “I hope today is going to be the start for many more opportunities for our community mobilizing for action. … We all have something to march for, so let’s make sure this event is just the beginning.”
Jennifer Murray, WSU Women’s Center program coordinator, said the national Women’s March leadership behind hasn’t always welcomed other groups, including transgender women and women of color.
But Murray maintained, “We are all stronger when we march side by side with everyone who shares our oppression.” Which was a sentiment echoed by Mag Haener, a University of Idaho student.
“I’ve learned that if your feminism doesn’t include women of color, transwomen, queer women, fat women, disabled women or sex workers, then it’s not feminism,” said Haener, who read her piece, “Lessons,” at the march. “I’m continuously learning that a big change is made up of many small changes. … Don’t expect a change overnight, but also don’t expect a change without the work, learning is an exercise in changing the self, and once that happens, we can change the world.”
Haener, who identifies as non-binary, said their frustration with the current presidential administration was part of the reason why they were marching. But they believe the government has been oppressing people long before Trump took office.
Protesters watch the rally at the Moscow Women’s March, Saturday.
Olivia Heersink | Argonaut
Haener wasn’t the only speaker who discussed recent events. Rev. Elizabeth Stevens also listed the sexual allegations against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and his reaction to them during the confirmation hearings, as well as acts of violence against Jews and African-Americans.
“We will not tolerate hate, we will not tolerate harassment,” said Stevens, who is a part of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse. “These are not political values, they are not religious values — though, I’d argue they exist at the heart of all faith. They’re not even American values, we’re talking human values.”
Many of the other presenters shared similar thoughts with one another, and those in attendance carried colorful signs emblazoned with those same ideas the speakers were trying to convey, such as “This is for my sister,” “Build a bridge, not a wall,” and “People are equal.”
The various speeches were accompanied by music, dancing and poetry. Audience members were reminded that their efforts need to go beyond Saturday’s rally if change is to occur, creating a call to action.
“Keep fighting for humanity and goodness,” Stevens said. “We’re going to have more work to do in the days to come — stick together, and keep on keeping on, my friends.”
Olivia Heersink can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @heersinkolivia