Wake Up Sonoma is organizing a vibrant rally and march in downtown Sonoma on Saturday, January 18, aiming to unite voices around human and civil rights issues. The event commences at 10 a.m. with a rally featuring a variety of local speakers on Sonoma Plaza. Following the rally, participants will march at 11 a.m. down Broadway to Peet’s Coffee and return to the Plaza for further engagement.
This year’s event has shifted from the Women’s March to the People’s March, reflecting a nationwide rebranding. Lisa Storment, president of Wake Up Sonoma, emphasizes that the focus will be on resilience, resistance, human dignity, and civic empowerment. The event stands as a counteraction to the incoming administration, particularly in light of the concerning Project 2025 plan and its implications for marginalized communities.
Notably, this march coincides with the inauguration of President Donald Trump, provoking a sense of urgency among participants. Storment addresses the anxiety surrounding the new administration, stating, “Action absorbs anxiety.” Engaging with the community is vital to ensure everyone stays informed and involved in fostering change locally.
Esteemed speakers at the rally will include Christopher Cabaldon, state senator; Patricia Ferrar-Rivas, Sonoma’s mayor; and Tiesa Meskis, possibly the first transgender city council member from Washington. Their presence reflects a variety of community perspectives and highlights local change-makers who inspire others through their actions.
The Rev. Curran Reichert and Erica Ambrin will co-emcee the rally, adding an artistic flare to the proceedings with music and chants. This local collaboration with organizations like La Luz Center and Sonoma Immigrant Services underscores a collective effort to address concerns about the new administration’s impact on various communities.
With this march being the only one scheduled along the California coastline from Berkeley to Crescent City, Storment expresses pride in Sonoma Valley’s activism. She believes community engagement at this level could alter election outcomes if mirrored across the nation. While Wake Up Sonoma leads the event, it embodies a community-wide initiative welcoming new volunteers eager to participate.
Event merchandise including T-shirts will be on sale for $20 at local stores and the event itself, reinforcing community spirit and support ahead of the march. Participants are invited to register online to help facilitate planning, although registration is not mandatory for participation.
Wake Up Sonoma is hosting a rally and march on January 18 to promote human and civil rights. The event will start with a rally at 10 a.m., followed by a march at 11 a.m. The shift from the Women’s March to People’s March aligns with a nationwide movement aiming to resist oppression and advocate for marginalized communities. Community participation is encouraged, and local leaders will speak at the event, showcasing various perspectives.
The planned rally and march in Sonoma on January 18 symbolize a powerful assertion of community solidarity against potential civil rights infringements in the face of a new administration. Led by Wake Up Sonoma, this event showcases local leadership, determination, and the importance of civic engagement. As participants come together to voice their concerns and hopes for the future, they emphasize the critical role of action in combating anxiety and fostering change.
In the wake of rising concerns regarding civil rights and community welfare with changing political landscapes, grassroots organizations like Wake Up Sonoma play vital roles in rallying community action. They aim to raise awareness about local and national issues affecting marginalized groups. Events such as marches and rallies provide platforms for community voices to unite, educate, and advocate against oppression, illustrating how local activism can influence broader sociopolitical dialogues.
Original Source: www.sonomanews.com
