People’s March Returns to D.C. to Protest Trump Ahead of Inauguration/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The rebranded People’s March will take place Saturday in Washington, D.C., days before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. A smaller successor to the 2017 Women’s March, it aims to unite diverse social justice causes. Organizers hope to inspire ongoing activism beyond the rally itself.
Rebranded People’s March Returns to Washington: Quick Looks
- Event Details: Participants will gather at 10 a.m. and march to the Lincoln Memorial for a 1 p.m. rally.
- Broader Focus: Themes include feminism, racial justice, climate change, and democracy.
- Movement Evolution: Rebranded to expand beyond the Women’s March of 2017.
- Crowd Expectations: Attendance estimated at one-tenth of the inaugural 2017 march.
- Organizers’ Goals: Emphasis on sustained activism through local and national movements.
- Historical Context: Reflective moment for progressives after Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss.
Thousands Expected at People’s March in D.C. to Protest Trump
Deep Look
The People’s March, a reimagined version of the Women’s March, is set to bring tens of thousands to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, just days before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. The event marks a moment of reflection and reinvigoration for progressive activists grappling with political setbacks, including Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss in the 2024 presidential election.
Origins and Evolution
The original Women’s March, held in January 2017 following Trump’s first electoral victory, drew over 500,000 people to Washington and millions more to sister marches nationwide. It became one of the largest single-day demonstrations in U.S. history. However, the movement faced criticism for lacking diversity and fractured over accusations of exclusion.
This year’s People’s March seeks to broaden its focus and appeal by addressing a range of issues, including reproductive rights, racial justice, LGBTQ rights, immigration, and climate change. Organizers have intentionally shifted away from centering the march solely around opposition to Trump.
Event Details
Participants will assemble at 10 a.m. EST and march to the Lincoln Memorial for a rally at 1 p.m. The day’s activities will conclude with discussions led by various social justice organizations, emphasizing long-term activism.
Tamika Middleton, managing director of the Women’s March, noted the importance of channeling energy into sustained efforts.
“We’re not thinking about the march as the endgame,” she said. “How do we get those folks who show up into organizations and into their political homes so they can keep fighting in their communities long term?”
A New Approach
The shift from the Women’s March to the People’s March reflects an intentional effort to create a more inclusive movement. Jo Reger, a sociology professor at Oakland University who studies social movements, said the event’s broad focus is unique. Unlike past movements centered on specific goals, the People’s March seeks to unite diverse causes under one umbrella.
“Often, some discord isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” Reger explained. “It can bring change and amplify underrepresented voices.”
Lower Attendance, Broader Goals
While the inaugural 2017 march drew massive crowds, Saturday’s attendance is expected to be about one-tenth as large. Middleton emphasized that the goal is not to replicate the scale of the first march but to inspire meaningful action.
“It’s hard to capture lightning in a bottle,” Middleton said, reflecting on the unprecedented energy of the 2017 event.
Reflective Moment for Progressives
The People’s March takes place during a challenging period for progressive activists, many of whom are navigating feelings of exhaustion and disappointment following Harris’ loss. Organizers hope the march will serve as both a rallying cry and an opportunity for renewed commitment to long-term goals.
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