Women’s March on Bismarck

News | January 18th, 2017

FARGO - As state politicians ponder legalizing drivers running down protesters on public roads, hundreds of Fargo women will march on the state’s capitol in Bismarck.

On the day Donald Trump takes office, they want answers, particularly to one question: how do we move forward in the face of fear that this incoming administration is causing for too many of us?

The Women’s March on Bismarck is a sister march of the Women’s March on Washington, according to the group’s Facebook page.

“Here in North Dakota, we also face strong local opposition to equality and protections for all,” Caitlin McDonald of the North Dakota Women’s Network said. “The Legislature is controlled by lawmakers who are hostile to the rights of women and others whose freedoms they would like to curtail. This march shows both the national and state leaders that we stand up for women, immigrants, Muslims, LGBTQ people, and others who are being threatened by the new administration.”

Men and women, all tribal nations, all religions, all sexual orientations, and all races are welcome to join in the march.

Transportation will be available - first come first served - for ten dollars a seat, which will depart from the Kmart on University Drive at 8:45am and make a stop in Jamestown. The bus will return to Fargo by 6pm. The protest will congregate on the North Dakota State Capitol steps and will be followed by a gathering at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Bismarck.

Sign making parties are underway in Bismarck. Approximately 75 people from Fargo will be attending the march, Ruth Buffalo, a march organizer, said.

“We are also helping others carpool from across the state to the capitol in Bismarck for the march,” Buffalo said.

Some who plan to attend were worried about House Bill 1203, recently introduced to state legislature, which - if passed - would essentially legalize vehicle drivers “unintentionally” running over or even killing protesters on public roads.

“I believe many are mobilizing in communities throughout North Dakota in response to HB 1203,” Buffalo said. “Contacting your respective legislators and transportation committee is important. Creating an account via the North Dakota Legislative Council website is important. Attending the committee hearing to testify is also very important.”

House Bill 1203 will go before the Transportation Committee hearing Friday, January 20, at 9 a.m. in the Fort Totten room in the capitol.

“Work is not finished after the march,” Buffalo said.

“After the march I believe many will continue to mobilize their communities toward positive change. It’s happening right now in addressing the different bills being proposed in our legislature. Voter education will continue and heighten. More women will be encouraged to run for office, especially women of color and people from the LGBTQ community.”

IF YOU GO:

Women’s March on Bismarck

Saturday, January 21, 1-2pm

North Dakota State Capitol, 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck

The rally will be held on the Capitol steps followed by a gathering at the Unitarian Universalist church, at 818 E Divide Ave.

https://bustobismarck.eventbrite.com/

IF YOU GO:

Women’s March in Fargo

Saturday, January 21, 10am-12pm

Revland Gallery, 409 Broadway,Fargo

Dress for extreme cold