January 16, 2019
Contact: Robin Paoli
Press@HoustonWomensMarch.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Houston Women March On Leading March to Mobilize Voters to Elect Diverse, Progressive Leaders in 2020
Houston, TX — On Jan. 19, Houston Women March On, along with hundreds of other women’s marches worldwide, will kick off March On The Polls 2020, a nearly two-year campaign to mobilize voters of all backgrounds — particularly women, young people, and people of color — to elect more progressive leaders in upcoming elections and advocate for progressive policies year-round. Thousands of women and allies are expected to march to build on the momentum from the 2018 midterm elections, where a record number of women were elected to office.
“Progressive women and men across the Houston region registered voters in record numbers and helped elect women and people of color, reflecting the great diversity of Texas,” said Janice Character, Board Vice President of the all-volunteer Houston Women March On. “On January 19, we celebrate this progress while also making a call-to-action for the work ahead.”
“Women are marching because we love our neighbors and we’re committed to justice,” said Robin Paoli, Board President of Houston Women March On. “We reject the historic evils of racism, bigotry, and power imbalances between genders and people groups.”
Nearly 25,000 people marched in Houston in 2017 and another 20,000 marched in 2018, a record-breaking display of solidarity for progressive causes in the city. “March for Justice” will be the theme for 2019 — a year where Texas has taken on a unique importance from the progressive standpoint. Record numbers of women — especially women of color — were recently elected in the state. Houston Women March On, which focuses on voters, especially those who are disenfranchised, will renew its pledge to commit resources to defending voting rights for all people in 2020.
The 2019 March For Justice in Houston expects marchers to travel from New Orleans, which is not hosting a women’s march, and from areas around Texas. Singer Sarah Grace from the popular show The Voice will rally marchers with a musical performance as they gather.
The march will feature the personal stories of women striving for justice – from freedom from gun violence to the need for ethnic justice, indigenous communities and people of color, immigration, equal rights, equal pay, criminal justice reform, health care, education, housing, environmental, voting rights, anti-gerrymandering, and more. Calls to action will include joining the 1@1 experience across the nation, honoring women and allies unable to march in person, and joining Monday’s Day of Service honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.
The expanded gathering point at the Cistern & Waterworks along Allen Parkway at Sabine will include opportunities for action from local, state and national justice organizations, music, dance, food trucks, portable restrooms, and ADA access.
When:
January 19, 2019
8:00 am – 10:00 am Gather at the Cistern
10:00 am – Houston’s 2019 March For Justice
10:45 am – Rally at Houston City Hall
Where:
8:00 am – 10:00 am Gather at the Cistern: 105 Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007
10:00 am – March from Cistern to City Hall
10:45 am – Rally at City Hall: 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
Who:
Houston Women March On (formerly the Houston Women’s March) gathers and mobilizes women and their allies to take action for themselves and their communities. HWMO is nonpartisan, nonprofit, and 100% volunteer-led. We believe no universe exists in which it is acceptable to support anti-Semitism, racism, or discrimination against LGBT people. We condemn bigotry in all forms, we are building a radically inclusive grassroots movement and invite anyone sharing this vision to join us on the march to set Texas free Saturday, January 19, 2019, and learn more about how to help your community and your neighbors achieve justice.
Houston Women March On is a part of the grassroots coalition MARCH ON, which was born out of the 2017 Women’s Marches and is helping support hundreds of marches across the country.
For more information on the march in Houston, visit:www.HoustonWomensMarch.org
MLK Weekend:
On Monday, Jan. 21, activities honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s civil rights legacy will take place all across the Houston area. We invite all supporters to join. Please visit this updated post for more details about the Monday MLK Day of Service.
