ANN ARBOR, MI -- The Women’s March is taking over downtown Ann Arbor on Saturday in an effort to get the vote out in November.
Nationwide, hundreds, if not thousands, are rallying on Oct. 17 to urge people to elevate their voices and encourage people to vote in the Nov. 3 election.
In Ann Arbor, Shine & Rise, an organization supporting women and underrepresented groups working at tech companies in southeastern Michigan, is leading the noon march at 913 S University Ave. on the University of Michigan Diag.
Shine & Rise co-founder Kristina Oberly, along with Alison Todak and Rachel Phillips, run various professional development and networking events for women in the tech world.
“We feel the values and the mission of the Women’s March closely aligns with what we’re trying to do. We want to ensure that women’s voices are heard. We want to show that this is important to us, that women’s voices matter and that everyone’s voice counts in this election,” Oberly said.
The event is expected to end at Huron and Fifth streets. Expected guests include U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn; State Rep. Donna Lasinski, D-Scio Township; and Washtenaw County Commissioner Shannon Beeman.
“Everyone matters. Everyone’s voice should be heard and everyone’s vote should be counted this election,” Oberly said. “I went to the Women’s March in Ann Arbor in 2017 and it was such an uplifting event.”
Organizers are requiring the public to wear masks at the march due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“It was really uplifting to see so many women come together at once and really declare loudly we’re here. We matter. Our voices should be heard,” Oberly said.
More information on the event is available online.
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