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Photos courtesy of Elaine Krugman.
By Guest Columnist Elaine Krugman
ZEBULON - Forty people of all ages, including men and small children, braved the rain, lightning, and tornado warnings to participate in the Women’s March, in Zebulon, at 11:00 AM today.
“We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families—recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country,” states the organizers of the Women’s March on Washington.
For those unable to make the trip to Washington, DC for the march, 673 “sister” marches were organized through grassroots efforts in communities throughout the country and around the world. Zebulon was one of four locations in Georgia, including Atlanta, Augusta, and Statesboro.
Organized by Karen Lacey, a Pike County resident who served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, the marchers organized at A Novel Experience bookstore before setting out in the driving rain.
The youngest participants were two toddlers being pushed in a stroller by their mother who drove them from Alabama to participate, because Zebulon was the closest location to their home. A few elderly women and men joined them with the assistance of walkers and canes, while they marched around the courthouse square chanting, “Love, not hate, makes America great!”
Most of the marchers carried signs while they marched. “Women’s rights are human rights,” and “Love trumps hate” were hand-lettered on signs that marchers held high as they chanted to cars passing by. Several drivers responded by honking their horns and waving.
After marching and chanting for more than an hour in the pouring rain, the hearty group of marchers took cover under the awnings of A Novel Experience while they continued to chant. It wasn’t until the lightning began that the march concluded due to concern for their safety.
As the group disbanded, Karen Lacey said, “I am so pleased with the turnout and proud of the group for braving the bad weather for over an hour.”