Organizers ask for donations ahead of Monterey Bay Women’s March

People are already preparing for Saturday’s 3rd annual Monterey Bay Women’s March. “I’m going to the women’s march to show that women have power,” said Monterey resident, Linda Cunningham.

The march has moved from California State-Monterey Bay’s campus to downtown Monterey, this year. Organizers said they are expecting another successful event. “We suspect several thousand people will show up. We have had anywhere from 2,500 to 4,000 people show up,” said Monterey Bay Women’s March chair, Esther Hobbs.

Across the county, march organizers in Washington D.C. are expecting a smaller turnout than in past years. This comes after accusations of anti-semitism were made against co-president, Tamika Mallory, for her association with minister of Islam, Louis Farrakhan.

National organizer, Linda Sarsour, went on the say that these accusations are not reflective of the march’s beliefs. “The Women’s March and the leadership of the Women’s March unequivocally rejects antisemitism, transphobia, homophobia, Islamophobia,” said Sarsour.

Esther Hobbs said the Monterey Bay Women’s March chapter is not a part of the national group that is currently under fire. “We do make room for everybody at the table. We have a statement out that absolutely denounces anti-semitism. We welcome anybody to come and join our group,” said Hobbs.

Nationally, the march has seen a lack of funding, this year. The Monterey group is also asking for donations to compensate for the $9,000 in permit fees.

Controversy aside, Hobbs said she hopes women, and others, can make a difference on Saturday. “I think its an opportunity to actually do some self reflection as a movement, and as individuals, and see where we can improve and come together. I think we need to make sure there’s a place for everybody’s voice to be heard,” said Hobbs.

To make a donation to the 2019 Monterey Bay Women’s March, visit: http://actioncouncil.org/donate-now.