Monterey’s 3rd Annual Women’s March

The Monterey Bay Women’s March paraded through the streets of downtown Monterey, Saturday morning.

“It’s an exhilarating moment to see how many people care about women’s rights and human rights,” said Monterey Bay Women’s March Chair, Esther Hobbs.

People are marching for women’s rights all across the country, Saturday, in the movement’s 3rd annual event.

The national non-profit was under fire, this past week, after accusations of anti-Semitism were made against co-president, Tamika Mallory, for her relationship with Minister of Islam, Louis Farrakhan.

That controversy didn’t seem to stop nearly 1,200 people from marching in Monterey.

“It’s good to get all these women together and for everybody to be just so excited,” said marcher, Marci Fitzurka.

Saturday’s march was about a half a mile long, much shorter than some of the other marches taking place in cities across the country, but people said their reason for marching was much more significant than the distance.

“Sometimes people in power don’t stand up for us so we have to take charge of ourselves,” said marcher, Telma Taormina.

“As women, as moms, as students, we make a difference in this nation and we want to speak up for everybody,” said marcher, Dolores Marquez.

The women weren’t the only ones who came out. Men, too, marched for change. “I support equality. That’s one thing I happen to really like. That’s why I wanted to come over here and help out,” said marcher, Brandon Reed.

Organizers want to see the tradition carry on and continue to bring the community together for something they believe in. “There’s always something we can do and if we stand up our voices are stronger together,” said Hobbs.