Join Me at the Alabama Women’s March

On Saturday, January 21 thousands of women from across the country will gather for the Women’s March on Washington. News reports indicate that at least 1,200 buses have applied for permits to park at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC., on the day of the march. If you’re in the Birmingham area and unable to make it to Washington, D.C., you can stand in solidarity at the Alabama Women’s March scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21 at Kelly Ingram Park.

This sister march is being organized by Dalia Abrams, executive director of BirthWell Partners, a non-for-profit community doula project striving to improve the health of low-resource mothers and infants in Central Alabama.

“Marches bring like-minded people together,” says Abrams when asked about the importance of demonstrations like the Women’s March. “This is important because it energizes us to see that we are not alone and gives us the strength to push forward on the issues that are important to us. It also offers an opportunity to meet others and start collaborations that can help us make change for the better. We are truly stronger together.”

Abrams also hopes the Women’s March will get the attention of local and national politicians.

“Marches make a strong statement,” Abrams says. “Politicians pay attention when people mobilize. Marches show our politicians that we care enough to get out and take a stand. If we want our politicians to listen to our priorities, we have to tell them what our priorities are, and show that we are willing to take a stand and do something.”

Abrams says she believes many Americans are concerned about the future of our country.

“Are we a country for all Americans, or only for a select, privileged few?” Abrams asks of politicians. “I hope that this march will bring together people who believe that all people deserve human rights. I hope that this gathering will encourage everyone, and also strengthen a movement for change. I hope that a strong march will show politicians that we are paying attention.”

Local activist T. Marie King will serve as MC for the event. King is a modern-day civil rights activist who spends her time hosting race reconciliation workshops, mentoring local students, and helping low-income families find the resources they need to get ahead. You can learn more about King’s work in a profile I recently wrote on her for StyleBlueprint Birmingham.

For the Women’s March in Alabama, participants will meet at Kelly Ingram Park at 2 p.m. to hear presentations from speakers, then march through Downtown Birmingham. The Women’s March in Alabama will take place rain or shine. Abrams emphasizes that men are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Get more details and RSVP for the march here.