Jan 21, 1st Anniversary “Power to the Polls” a Success!
“Power to the Polls,” Women’s Day of Action Resounding Success for Women’s March Florida
(Miami, Fla. – Jan. 25, 2018) On January 21, 2018, the one-year anniversary of the largest political protest in recent U.S. history, Women’s March Florida led a “Power to the Polls” rally in Miami, Fla., that focused on expanding voter access, ending voter suppression, and highlighting important issues for the 2018 midterms elections, all crucial steps towards meaningful change.
Thanks to the 5,500 people who attended the Miami rally, including over 50 from the Florida Keys who took a bus to the event, the event raised over $5,000 dollars that will be used to support our hurricane affected sister islands of Puerto Rico, The U.S. Virgin Islands, the Florida Keys, and the most marginalized communities in Miami.
“Our Women’s March Florida, Power to the Polls event was a huge success,” said Natalia Duke, Women’s March Florida executive board member and Florida Keys Chapter captain. “Women and allies gathered, listened, and engaged with over 50 community and social justice activists, performers, and progressive candidates running for office in 2018. Topics ranged from voting rights and racial justice to climate justice and immigrant rights, and everything in between. I was honored to help plan, speak at, and bring our Florida Keys community to such an important and powerful event. ”
Two Florida gubernatorial candidates, Andrew Gillum and Gwen Graham, spoke at the rally, showing their support for Women’s March Florida. Other speakers included Women’s March Florida President, Emma Collum, who is also a candidate for state house of representatives district 93, and Debbie Murcacel-Powell, a candidate for Florida’s 26th congressional district.
The Miami event sought to register new voters, engage impacted communities and harness our collective energy to advocate for policies and candidates that reflect the progressive values of women throughout Florida and the nation. It was a day filled with powerful speakers, community activists, performers, families, resistance art, a kids march, and community vendors. Our sponsors, Shuster & Saben, Victoria Cummock, Planned Parenthood NESF, Women’s Fund Miami-Dade, and Red Gallerie helped make this event possible.
Women’s March is an international coalition of grassroots advocates galvanized to combat oppression through a unified voice, championing respect and equality for all. The Florida Chapter is a 501(c)(4) inspired by over 100,000 Floridians activists who marched on January 21, 2017, in solidarity with over 4 million people worldwide, in the largest single-day demonstrations in recorded U.S. history. This movement educates new activists & organizers to engage in the community through trainings, outreach programs, and events across a diverse range of issues. For more information, visit www.womensmarchfl.org.