Thousands of Rhode Islanders expected to rally for human rights the day after Inauguration

The Cranston Herald ·

On Saturday, Jan. 21, from 1 to 3 p.m., on the State House Lawn, Rhode Islanders will join a worldwide movement built around the Women’s March on Washington, D.C. The RI Women's Solidarity Rally in Providence is one of 300 rallies taking place throughout the country and in 55 global cities on six continents.

According to the Women’s March on Washington, an estimated 1 million women and men plan to stand in solidarity to reaffirm the core American values of freedom and democracy for all at a time when many fear that their voices will be lost, specifically related to women’s rights, immigrant rights, worker rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, environmental rights, rights for all races and religious freedom.

“On Jan. 21, the State House Lawn will become a place where like-minded Rhode Islanders join in solidarity to support equality for all our brothers and sisters. We put our differences aside to stand for our most basic human rights,” said Shanna Wells of West Warwick, organizer of the rally. At press time, the rally’s Facebook page and website had 2,000 people planning to attend.

The rally will include a combination of speakers in support of the movement and musical performances. Governor Gina Raimondo will kick off the rally at 1 p.m. She will be followed by Senator Gayle Goldin, RI District 3-Providence; Representative Aaron Regunberg, RI House District 4 Providence; Resist Hate RI; Marcia Ranglin Vassell, Representative- District 5 Providence; Dr. Wendy Manchester Ibrahim, RI Council for Muslim Advancement; Marissa Janton, RI Commission on Human Rights; as well as other human rights advocates. Performances include singers Joyce Katzberg and Isabel Arango, spoken word by Reza Clifton and an appearance by Rhode Island actress Rose Weaver.

Cranston resident and president of the Providence NAACP, James Vincent plans to attend.

“We must stand together and speak up, form alliances and protect our rights. We see absolutely no sign that this administration considers the less fortunate in any of their decisions. Trump sent that message loud and clear when he gave a white supremacist a position in the White House,” said Vincent. "I think this rally is an amazing opportunity for our state and citizens to get behind the most important value we share in America. All people deserve equal treatment and respect, regardless of their sex, color, race, sexual preference or level of ability.”

For Anne Diffily of Warwick, it’s a wake-up call. “We are in strange and worrisome times, with the incoming administration proposing to eliminate or gut programs and laws that have ensured justice for all and minimal provisions for citizens' health and well-being.”

Erin Ruta of Warwick said it is important to get involved. “I want to use my voice as a young woman to show all people that it's important to get involved, speak your mind and stand up for yourself.”

“I am going to the rally because any form of prejudice or forced inequality is not merely unacceptable, it is reprehensible,” said Warwick resident Judi Zimmer.

“We fear for those families who are already struggling to get by, that their situations will get even worse if they lose health care and other social services,” said Vincent.

Besides Shanna Wells and her team of volunteers, others supporting the Rally include the RI Council of Churches, and the Women's Fund of RI. Woman-owned, RI-based communications firm, Imaj Associates, offered pro bono help to the March on DC and the Providence rally as soon as they heard about the movement.

Local organizations will host information tables, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Youth Pride, Women’s Fund of RI, RI Commission on Human Rights, Black Lives Matter, Resist Hate RI, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, RI Council for Muslim Advancement.

For more information, contact Shanna Wells at Shannawells1@gmail.com or call 837-6241.