HYANNIS – On yesterday’s one year anniversary of Donald Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States, hundreds of women from across the Cape opted to celebrate much the same way they did last year, by marching in protest.
Clad in pink hats, attendees were equipped with dozens of signs and banners, deriding the President, Republicans, harassers and global warming skeptics.
“Disaster Movies Always Begin with a Scientist Ignored,” announced one, “I got a Fever,” began another, “and the only solution is more science,” an unflattering depiction of the Commander-in-Chief was captioned “Repeal and Replace.”
“Build Bridges, Not Walls,” “Impeach 45,” “Love Trumps Hate,” “Together We Stand,” “Silent No More,” “Oprah 2020,” “Nasty Woman,” “Hear Us Roar,” and “Will Trade Trump for 800,000 Dreamers” all contributed to making the event as literary as it was auditory.
The rally began at the Hyannis Village Green with more than a dozen speakers including Cape and Islands Congressman Bill Keating, State Senator Julian Cyr, representatives from local town councils and select boards, as well as nonprofit officials, with State Representative Sarah Peake serving as master of ceremonies.
Discussion topics ran the gambit, from criticizing conservatives, to the environment, to immigration, to equal pay.
Housing Assistance Corporation CEO Alisa Galazzi spoke about housing needs.
“Having a safe, affordable home, full of love, should not be a goal but a given,” she said, “A home is our personal sanctuary, where love flourishes, dreams begin, and peace abides.”
“One group we owe restitution to, is our brothers and sisters of black and brown,” said Barnstable Town Councilor Paul Hebert, who also spoke at the event.
“The population that lost the most wealth and homes in the big failure of our economy was our black brothers and sisters and we apologize for that,” he said.
Following the lengthy rally on the green, the group proceeded down Main Street, which was closed for the march.
The event was designed to highlight a year of successes for women while also acknowledging the work which remains to be done. Sarah Peake told the crowd that the ticket to making change is registering to vote.
“It takes five minutes to register to vote in the Town Clerk’s office. I promise, that’s all,” she said, “and you’ll have a lifetime of voting and making a difference stitch out before you. It is a worthwhile five minutes.”
One of the event’s organizers, Reverend Dr. Kristen Harper, said a big part of the events is putting forth a large statement.
“Together we’re stronger. We have a voice, and that voice is important and needs to be heard,” she said, “It really is about all people, sexes, sexual orientations, races and classes. All of us getting together is the big piece we’re really trying to emphasize.”
By DAVID BEATTY, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
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