LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Thousands gathered in front of the White House with larger crowds swelling in places like San Francisco, Denver and Cleveland today.
Most marchers were critical of the administration, though the President did tweet an encouraging note marking the milestone of this year’s Women’s March.
Here in Arkansas, hundreds took to the streets of downtown Little Rock to make their voices, struggles and opinions heard. The combined March on Arkansas and March to the Polls 2018 had no shortage of signs or messages
“If you are uniquely positioned to take your place, raise your voice,” yelled Senator Joyce Elliott during her speech, the crowd immediately agreeing in unison.
The 2nd Annual Women's March in Arkansas - and around the country - united those fighting against injustice.
“We've rallied and marched for so many different causes and this is just to put all of it together in a consolidated effort,” Gwen Combs said, one of the event organizers.
What started as a sister march to the Women's March on Washington last year is now a continued effort to eliminate what organizers call systemic oppression coming from the top.
“In Arkansas, we comprise only 20 percent of the state legislature and we're supposed to celebrate that,” said State Representative Vivian Flowers.
“And we're 51 percent of the population,” added Combs.
Marchers across the country feel that people have been marginalized after last year's presidential election. By being active and not backing down, they hope to push change on the local, state level and nationwide.
“Last year we had about 7,000 people. This year it's going to be smaller. People are numb, tired, fed up and worn out,” Combs said.
Supporters want to see more women as elected officials and head other leadership positions.
The Me-Too Movement, women's reproductive rights, and overall political climate in Arkansas and the White House were just a few topics of discussion this year.
"I have been a victim of rape and harassment, it's something I feel very strongly about and I don't want my daughter to ever have to feel that way,” said marcher Karen Graham as she held her 3-month-old daughter.
Following the march, the Arkansas Coalition for Reproductive Justice held their 8th annual rally at the capitol. The other side of that issue, “The March for Life” takes place tomorrow, Jan .21.