STATE COLLEGE — A large group of protesters standing on College Avenue could be heard throughout downtown on the afternoon of Jan. 21 as they cheered and chanted in support of women and equal rights.
The sister rally held at the Allen Street Gates was in solidarity with the Women’s March held at the same time in Washington, D.C. Many in attendance were unable to attend the large demonstration in the capital, but still wanted their voices to be heard the day after President Donald Trump was sworn into office.
“I was unable to make it to D.C., but this is great,” said Carly Ford, who was at the rally with her 10-month-old son, Orlando. “I brought him because I want him to know that being part of a democracy is more than just voting, and although he won’t remember this, I want him to know that we stood up for what is right and did your part.”
The demonstrators held many signs that questioned Trump’s language and his policies against women, the environment and globalization.
“We are here in support of equal rights for all people over the world, to show that love and understanding are what is important,” said Laura Williams, of State College. “This is a global world and we should be open to everyone.”
Many rainbow flags were held high in support of the LGBT community. Women of all ages wore pink hats with cat ears in response to sexist language the president has used in the past.
Many men joined in support for equal rights for women and against the policies of the new president.
“It is hard to believe we are here again having to protest,” said Steve Deutch, who remembers protesting for social change in the 1960s. “Trump is ignorant, and people are scared, scared of his attitude towards women. I am a scientist, so his environmental ideas are just wrong and will hurt this planet in the future. I am old, so I don’t have to see the end result, but I stand here for the young and for this country.”
In between chants such as “Love, not hate, makes America great” and “Love trumps hate,” cars drove by and honked their horns in support of the protesters, and the crowd erupted in cheers that could heard blocks away.
“What does democracy look like?” yelled a protester to the crowd.
“This is what democracy looks like!” was the answer back from the crowd, and on this day, those in attendance felt like their voices were being heard.
