Locals gather for peace and women’s rights rally in downtown Sequim

By Matthew Nash • January 25, 2017 1:30 am
Locals gather in the evening of Jan. 21, at the southeast corner of Washington Street and Sequim Avenue for women’s rights. Organizers estimate more than 100 people attended. Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash
Locals gather in the evening of Jan. 21, at the southeast corner of Washington Street and Sequim Avenue for women’s rights. Organizers estimate more than 100 people attended. Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash

As millions of people gathered and marched worldwide through the day on Jan. 21 for women’s rights, a local gathering that night filled the southeast corner of Sequim Avenue and Washington Street at 1st Security Bank Park.

Dianne Drake, originator of the peace gathering and candlelight ceremony through Facebook invites, said the idea came to her in November and that she wanted to support the community and her friends whom she felt were hurting following the general election.

“I just wanted them to shine their light,” she said.

Organizers encouraged participants simply to be there and not bring signs, although a few were there, and not to shout or use negative rhetoric.

Steffany Barber, co-organizer, said the turnout was more than she expected. “I’m absolutely floored,” she said. “We are here standing in solidarity for all human rights.”

For more information on the women’s rights movement, visit www. womensmarch.com.

Barbara Thompson, left, and Ruthann Toney hold candles during a peace rally on Jan. 21, in downtown Sequim. Thompson, who marched in Port Townsend earlier in the day for women’s rights, said she feels frightened of what may be coming from the new administration in Washington, D.C. “I’m here to standup for everyone who may be or feel marginalized,” she said. “I’m hoping to protect our rights.” Toney said she was elated to see so many people unite and that it shows “the power of one becoming many.” Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Barbara Thompson, left, and Ruthann Toney hold candles during a peace rally on Jan. 21, in downtown Sequim. Thompson, who marched in Port Townsend earlier in the day for women’s rights, said she feels frightened of what may be coming from the new administration in Washington, D.C. “I’m here to standup for everyone who may be or feel marginalized,” she said. “I’m hoping to protect our rights.” Toney said she was elated to see so many people unite and that it shows “the power of one becoming many.” Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Kathi White and Donna Maclean hold one of the few signs up at the women’s rights rally in downtown Sequim on Jan. 21. Maclean said their sign is a response to President Donald Trump calling his opponent Hillary Clinton a “nasty woman” at a debate.

Kathi White and Donna Maclean hold one of the few signs up at the women’s rights rally in downtown Sequim on Jan. 21. Maclean said their sign is a response to President Donald Trump calling his opponent Hillary Clinton a “nasty woman” at a debate.

Locals gather in the evening of Jan. 21, at the southeast corner of Washington Street and Sequim Avenue for women’s rights. Organizers estimate more than 100 people attended. Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash

Locals gather in the evening of Jan. 21, at the southeast corner of Washington Street and Sequim Avenue for women’s rights. Organizers estimate more than 100 people attended. Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash

Locals gather in the evening of Jan. 21, at the southeast corner of Washington Street and Sequim Avenue for women’s rights. Organizers estimate more than 100 people attended. Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash

Locals gather in the evening of Jan. 21, at the southeast corner of Washington Street and Sequim Avenue for women’s rights. Organizers estimate more than 100 people attended. Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash