Women united
Phoenixville school board president joins hundreds in march against hate
WEST CHESTER AND KENNETT » About three hundred women, and several dozen men, rallied during Saturday’ s Women’ s March, at the historic courthouse. In Kennett Square, more than a dozen people, mostly women, rallied near Kendal at Longwood off Route 1.
Both marches coincided with rallies taking place in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and other major cities throughout the United States.
In West Chester, protest signs were held high, and several speakers led the energized crowd with chants.
Dozens of motorists tooted horns to show their support for the protestors. Many women wore “that” hat.
Phoenixville Area School Board President Lisa Longo lauded the more than a dozen female candidates who were victorious at the November polls in Chester County and urged women to get involved, and consider running for office.
“Now we’re insisting, we don’t ask anymore,” Longo said. “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”
Longo said she was told that she was unelectable because she is an activist. She proved the critics wrong.
Mayor Dianne Herrin told the demonstrators that they can change the course of history.
“Create a rising tide that lifts all boats,” Herrin said. “We fight with compassion, we fight with love.”
Demonstrator Barbara Myers, along with her husband Boyd Myers, who marched during the ‘60s arrived early.
“Years ago when I was younger other women marched for me,” Barbara Myers said. “And now I’m marching for the women who are coming after me.”
The crowd roared when organizer Mikhel Harrison talked about his one parent family and his mother who held two full time jobs--as a mother and police officer.
“We’re all on the same team and we need to work together,” Harrison said. “Stand up and fight.
“It is your body, your voice and your vote.”
Chester County Coroner Christina Vandepol talked about the first Women’s March held in Washington D.C., one day after the 2017 presidential inauguration.
“2017 was our dress rehearsal, in 2018 the curtain is going up,” Vandepol said. “I may be in my office, but this is where my heart is, out on the street.”
T.J. Young sang the National Anthem and “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten.
During an impromptu performance, Kristina Rowshan performed “Prayer” by Kesha.
In Kennett Square, the protesters said it was not an anti-Trump rally, but a rally for peace and unity.
“This rally is for justice, and truth and peace, and for the equality of women and all people, “said Mary Alice James of Kennett.”
“This rally is against hate,” said Gayle VanWie. “We will persist.”
Dout Wenny of Kennett said he attended the rally in support of his wife, who marched at the women’s rally in Philadelphia