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Thousands March Through Downtown Columbus To Protest President-Elect Trump

An estimated two thousand people marched through downtown Columbus in a preview of the Women’s March on Washington this weekend after President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Many of the marchers came for some of the same reasons.  “I am here to advocate for women’s rights, women’s health care and equality for all,” said Delta Steck of Westerville. “I’m here to support my fellow women with their equal rights,” said Tarek Akkari of Columbus.  “Oh my gosh, there’s so many reasons. Why don’t we march, really? I mean, we’re here for women’s rights, we’re for equality, we’re here for gun control," said Sarah Hall Philips of Columbus.

Most marchers said they were there for unity too, though some doubted that will be possible. Some also joined with faith groups that held hands and formed a human chain around the Statehouse.

There was a little conflict – such as when a police officer had to separate two protestors – but the demonstration was peaceful. That’s what Barbara Marshall of Hilliard had hoped for – she’d come with other faith groups. “It’s not a church function. We’re just people who care about the rights of women, of the LGBT, of immigrants, of people whose rights might be in danger,” Marshall said.

Some of the women’s marchers stayed to join with the faith groups’ demonstration. And many of the marchers said they plan to attend the Women’s March on Washington next weekend.

Thousands March Through Downtown Columbus To Protest President-Elect Trump

Women in costumes participate in the Women's Sister March.
Jo Ingles /
Women in costumes participate in the Women's Sister March.
Signs and pink hats were clearly visible in the crowd at the Statehouse.
Jo Ingles /
Signs and pink hats were clearly visible in the crowd at the Statehouse.
Protestors carried signs at the Women's Sister March.
Karen Kasler /
Protestors carried signs at the Women's Sister March.
A Columbus police officer talks to two protestors.
Karen Kasler /
A Columbus police officer talks to two protestors.
Delta Steck (right) holds a sign at the Women's Sister March.
Karen Kasler /
Delta Steck (right) holds a sign at the Women's Sister March.
Tarek Akkari (in hat, center) stands with protestors at the Women's Sister March.
Karen Kasler /
Tarek Akkari (in hat, center) stands with protestors at the Women's Sister March.
Sarah Hall Phillips (in hat, center) signs a petition at the Women's Sister March.
Karen Kasler /
Sarah Hall Phillips (in hat, center) signs a petition at the Women's Sister March.

Copyright 2017 The Statehouse News Bureau

Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.
Contact Karen at 614/578-6375 or at kkasler@statehousenews.org.