The long-awaited People’s March returns to Washington, D.C., this Saturday, just days before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. This new rally, rebranded and revamped from its original Women’s March, is set to attract tens of thousands of demonstrators. The march is expected to send a loud and clear message to the incoming Republican president.
The power of the 2017 March
It’s been eight years since the first Women’s March shook Washington. In 2017, millions across the country protested Trump’s victory, with over 500,000 turning up in D.C. alone. That day was one for the history books, becoming one of the largest single-day protests in U.S. history. Now, the movement is back but under a new name: the People’s March.
A broader, more inclusive movement
This shift to a broader title aims to unify a wider range of supporters. The focus isn’t solely on Trump but also on issues like women’s rights, racial justice, climate change, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights. It’s clear: organizers want to shift the conversation away from just one man to a broader, more inclusive social justice movement.
The rally comes at a time of reflection and perhaps even exhaustion. Many progressive voters are still grappling with the loss of Vice President Kamala Harris. There’s a sense of quiet in the air, unlike the 2017 protests that were driven by fiery anger and frustration. “It’s just hard to capture lightning in a bottle,” said Tamika Middleton, managing director of the Women’s March. She explained that the moment was unique — no one had experienced a Trump presidency before, and the anger it sparked was raw.
The 2017 energy: a historic protest
In 2017, the energy was palpable. Marchers wore pink pussyhats and carried signs demanding action. The event was a massive show of force. But the aftermath wasn’t without its challenges. The movement faced criticism for a lack of diversity. The new rebrand, now known as the People’s March, is an attempt to widen its appeal and reflect the broad spectrum of social justice causes.
Smaller turnout, bigger goals
This year, the expected turnout will be significantly smaller — about one-tenth of the 2017 crowd. The quieter mood speaks to the collective weariness many progressive groups feel. But organizers remain determined, knowing that the focus should be on long-term action, not just the event itself.
The People’s March won’t be centered on one issue, one person, or one day. Instead, it will bring a range of groups and causes together under one banner. “We’re not thinking about the march as the endgame,” Middleton said. She emphasized the importance of getting people involved in their communities, fostering activism beyond the event.
Jo Reger, a sociology professor at Oakland University, noted that it’s natural for a broad-based movement to have conflicting ideas. “There’s immense pressure to meet everyone’s needs,” she said. But Reger also believes that some discord can be productive. “It brings change and new perspectives, especially from underrepresented voices,” she added.
The beginning of a movement
Saturday’s demonstration promises to be a powerful call for action. It won’t just be about Trump, but about tackling the critical issues facing the country today. As the People’s March takes over Washington, the message is clear: The fight for justice is far from over. And this march is just the beginning.
In a time when change is needed more than ever, the People’s March is making sure that no one’s voice goes unheard. Will you be there?
