Women wage war

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By Karen Pegueros

Holding a bold poster and a tight fist in the air, Alli Harper, 11, stands proudly with thousands of other locals in honor of the National Women’s March anniversary. Photo by Karen Pegueros

In honor of last year’s Women’s March in Washington D.C., thousands of Las Vegas locals, including several students, joined together on Sunday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sam Boyd stadium in protest of President Trump’s inauguration anniversary and to raise awareness for social injustices occurring nationwide.

“The march means being able to give the marginalized and often silenced a collective voice, so that they can take steps towards equality,” Jace McNaught, senior, said. “I went last year because I wanted to experience something I knew would be a historical landmark and be able to say I was on the right side of history following the ascension of the most unqualified, in terms of public service, American president to date.”

Although multiple marches occurred across the globe on Saturday, Jan. 20, the Women’s March organization held the official second march here in Vegas due to its swing-state status and in honor of the Route 91 shooting. The rally kicked off a newfound movement called Power to the Polls that encourages women to register and vote. Volunteers with clipboards helped people register to vote or update their voting information at the entrance gates in hopes of registering 1 million people by the next election cycle.

“I registered to vote because I want a voice regarding my future and being able to vote in the next elections will do that,” Emaan Khawaja, senior, said. “If we want to see change in the world we have to take action and voting will give me a way to do my part in hopefully seeing a better future for not only myself, but everyone from this generation because what happens now is what will shape how our lives look in the future.”

An array of speakers such as Cher and Linda Sarsour advocated for women’s rights, immigrant rights, environmental rights, gun control legislation and encouraged participation in the upcoming midterm elections. House Representatives Dina Titus and Jacky Rosen both appeared on screen to apologize for their absences and ignite optimism with promises of a strong fight for a better future. Various minority groups also performed traditional cultural dances on stage.

“The message that stood out to me the most was that we cannot make any impact in our country if we do not take action [from Linda Sarsour],” Ricardo Galavis, junior, said. “Just wishing for things to change doesn’t solve anything; we must take a stand as people and use the rights that we have to make a difference.”

Volunteers also gave out free posters, buttons, bandanas, and flags at the entrances. An anonymous donor covered the parking fees for everyone. The Women’s March organized shuttles, and the UNLV Transit Center RTC express service offered free 24-hour passes to the first 500 riders and a service fee of $2 for the rest. MGM also offered a 15 percent discount for guests who booked hotel rooms for the event.

“I think it’s really great to see big businesses and political programs coming together to support one cause because it’s something that makes us grow stronger, working together and fighting for something we care about,” Sara Ross, sophomore, said.

Inside the stadium, volunteers from several organizations teamed up with the Women’s March and set up multiple concession stands in case ralliers got hungry as well as booths with merchandise. Protesters marched  decked out in pink accessories and slogan tees carrying homemade posters. The campaign is now headed for Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.