The Augusta County Democrats will host a Women’s Rights and Freedoms Rally on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Augusta County Courthouse Plaza from 1 to 3 p.m.
“It’s in solidarity with what’s happening in the country on that day,” said Augusta County Democrats Committee Chair Beth Daisey.
The National Women’s March will be held in Washington, D.C. on Saturday.
The nearest rally besides the one to be held in downtown Staunton on Saturday afternoon will be in Richmond, according to Daisey.
All individuals, including men, from all over central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley are invited to bring signs and support women’s rights to reproductive freedom.
“I think it’s really important to draw attention to what’s going on on a local level,” Daisey said of the Staunton rally.
Speakers will begin at 1:15 p.m. and continue until approximately 2:30 p.m. Dr. Charemon Brooks will speak first on women’s healthcare, followed by Ken Mitchell, candidate for Virginia’s District 6 in the 2024 election, and then a spokesperson from the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center based in Staunton. Barbara Lee of Staunton will next speak on racial rights and freedoms, UVA student activists from Planned Parenthood will speak, as well as Joy Ingram from New Directions Domestic Abuse Treatment Center and National Organization for Women‘s VA President Kobby Hoffman.
Daisey said that anyone, including men, are encouraged to attend and voice their concerns.
“Anyone who’s concerned about women’s rights and freedoms from age 15 to 90. It involves every woman, from every walk of life,” Daisey said.
She added that women’s rights also affect men and families.
“It really is a cry to all people — not just women,” she said.
All are encouraged to join the fight for women’s rights and build awareness.
Augusta County Courthouse Plaza is at 1 E. Johnson St., Staunton (corner of Johnson and Augusta streets). Although ample parking is available, it is not unlimited, so participants are strongly encouraged to carpool.
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Rebecca Barnabi
