Niagara-on-the-Lake Women’s March aiming to create ‘bigger conversation’
A “bigger conversation” may be starting in Niagara-on-the-Lake in January.
At least that’s the response the NOTL chapter of Women’s March Global hopes for when it holds its first march in the Old Town on Saturday.
Co-organizer Amy Jewell said the women’s march is about equal rights — including women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, worker’s rights and justice in general.
She said she will be happy if even one person connects with marchers’ or speakers’ personal stories.
“If we can just get people to acknowledge and start the bigger conversation, I would consider this a success.”
Jewell, assistant stage manager for Shaw Festival Theatre, said she’s heard from colleagues, some of whom are people of colour, that they’ve been called racist names in Niagara-on-the-Lake as recently as last summer.
“That is unacceptable.”
Jewell said she would like to see all members of this community recognized as equally valuable and worthy of being seen and heard.
Forming a “bigger collective voice” creates a stronger movement, said Jewell.
“With movement comes power.”
The march will begin in Simcoe Park at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19.
Marchers will head down King Street to Johnson Street. Then they’ll stop at the new Voices of Freedom Park before continuing down Regent Street and Prideaux Street back to the Simcoe Park bandshell.
Lord Mayor Betty Disero will then speak about representation and YWCA Niagara Region executive director Elisabeth Zimmermann will speak about economic security.
Natasha Mumba will speak about her experience as a black immigrant in Canada, Mel Thivierge will speak about their experience as a trans person, and drag queen Maya Nority and her sister Ange Nethersole will perform songs.
March co-organizer Jacqueline Thair said after attending a “life-changing” Women’s March Global conference in Detroit she formed the NOTL chapter.
Thair said she hopes the chapter’s first march will inspire people “to take action” and step into leadership roles.
Stepping up and raising your voice is “not as hard as you think,” she said.
For more information about the movement, go to womensmarchglobal.org.