By: Ashmar Mandou

Thousands are expected to descend onto downtown Chicago this Saturday, one day after President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, as part of the nationwide movement Women’s March on Washington to stand in solidarity against the hateful rhetoric of this past election cycle. “We are planning and hoping for the largest women’s Rally and March outside of Washington, D.C. this Saturday,” said Ann Scholhamer, one of the March co-chairs. “We have been hard at work with our dedicated volunteers to confirm an incredible slate of speakers, representing issues brought to light during the campaign and diverse issues of concern to Chicago women.”

Chicago teenagers Chloe Wagner and Morenike Fabiyi, who are juniors at Francis W. Parker High School, have been working along with the Women’s March on Washington – Illinois Chapter and Chicago Women Take Action to coordinate a group of teens from the Chicago area to travel to Washington to attend the march. Their efforts include raising funds to subsidize the cost for the teens and raising awareness among their peers. “The 2016 election left me feeling confused and vulnerable. Knowing that many youth felt the same way, Chloe and I created the Illinois Youth Chapter in order to let our peers know that their voices are valuable,” Fabiyi said. “It is critical to us that youth are involved in this movement and we are excited to lead a group of a peers that will be politically engaged in the future.”

“The Illinois Youth Chapter, which consists of a diverse group of teens, will be marching along with thousands of other people in Washington, D.C. to take a stand for the causes that they believe in. The inability to vote for youth under 18 in this past election has left many feeling powerless in our schools and communities. We hope to give rise to a new group of teens who are engaged and active in political communities despite the fact that we are unable to vote,” said Chloe Wagner. Chicago speakers to participate this Saturday include Ari Afsar: From the cast of Hamilton; Jean Albright: Master Sergeant (retired) U.S. Air Force; Eman Hassaballa Aly: Community Activist; Faith Arnold: SEIU Healthcare Illinois, Fight for $15; Sara Paretsky: Author, Sisters in Crime Creator; Rahnee Patrick: Independent Living at Access Living; Maria Pesqueria: President, Mujeres Latinas en Accion; and Rev. Dr. Janette C. Wilson, Esq.: National RainbowPUSH Coalition to name a few. “The excitement on the March reflects a Chicago coalition against policies and ideologies born of oppression of women, intolerance, and inequality,” said Scholhamer. The March will begin at 9a.m., with music followed by the rally at 10a.m., at the Petrillo Bandshell.