Women’s March to forge ahead in Starkville this Saturday
On Saturday, April 10, Starkville will see its first women’s march since the very first official Women’s March in 2017 in Washington D.C.
Junior Political Science and Spanish student and Louisiana native Abby Guy has worked diligently to make this happen in Starkville this year. Her efforts were not in vain and the first Women’s March will be on Saturday at Fire Station Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The event will feature speakers like Ezell, who is the founder of Black Girls Rock of Mississippi, and Morgan Gray, President of IDEAL Women at MSU. There will also be tables with information available about health and safety as well as ways to continue your knowledge in gender equality with feminist media and art.
Strangebrew Coffee will be at the march to provide those in attendance with water and coffee
The purpose of the march is to highlight different issues around gender like the pay gap, environmental racism, LGBT+ rights and gender-based violence.
“Sexual harassment and assault are major issues I hope to address at the march as well as provide access to information for services and help for women to protect themselves,” Guy said.
The event is officially called Fight from the South: Women’s March, and Guy is passionate about that specific phrasing as the South can often turn away from activism like this because of how sensitive bringing this up can be.
“The South tends to shy away from demonstrations of activism, and I want the community to know that is is not scary, rather it is empowering to stand up for something you believe in,” Guy said. “Activism can be small acts throughout your day to day life that call attention to importance issues. Professors and various organizations have been very willing to be involved in any way. It was great to see that my fellow classmates were passionate about something like this as well. Addi
tionally the city, local businesses, and local organizations have graciously given me their time, resources, and guidance. This event definitely could not have taken place at the same caliber without the support of the community.”
The event will have a place for marchers to make their own signs, and the march will start at Fire Station Park, down East Lampkin Street, turning Meigs Street to loop in front of Starkville City Hall, and back down East Main Street/university Drive back to Fire Station Park.
The event was already postponed from January 17 due to high COVID-19 numbers, which have been on the decline and vaccines are now open to everyone 16-yearsold and older in the state of Mississippi. Marchers are still encouraged to wear a mask if possible, and those attending are welcome to bring their own signs.
“I really appreciate the interest and support from the community,” Guy said. “It really couldn’t have happened without the help I’ve received. I need the community to not only turn out, but to bring an open mind and willingness to engage. We are marching to advocate for women’s issues, but I want it to have a long-lasting effect on how the community practices activism.”
For more updates on the march, check out @Fightfromthesouth on Instagram. Guy would also like everyone to know they should not be discouraged by a little rain, and she is excited to see everyone out there.