MANSFIELD — The Richland County Young Democrats will host a Mansfield People’s March on Saturday as part of a nationwide response to the upcoming presidential inauguration.
The event will begin at 1 p.m. with a rally in Central Park, followed by a brief march. Organizers are encouraging attendees to wear black and bring protest posters.
“By marching on Jan. 18th, we plan on showing our community that we have no intention to lie down throughout the implementation of harmful policies,” said Addie Goodwin with the Richland County Young Democrats (RCYD).
“We also hope to show that we have a strong presence in our county that will stand for the rights of all.”
Goodwin said the rally will feature motivational speeches, calls to action and addresses from elected officials on how they intend to serve their communities.
Goodwin said the RCYD has planned for a number of speakers, including newly-elected State Rep. Christine Cockley. Cockley is a Mansfield native currently serving Ohio House District 6 on the west side of Columbus.
Goodwin said the RCYD is expecting a turnout of between 35 and 70 people.
RCYD will host poster making party on Friday
Several civil rights and women’s rights groups launched the People’s March in response to the re-election of President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on Jan. 20.
Its coalition members include Abortion Action Now, Time to Act, SisterSong, Women’s March, Popular Democracy, Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, The Feminist Front, NOW, Planned Parenthood, National Women’s Law Center, and the Frontline. Women’s March is anchoring the logistics of the mobilization.
More than 300 marches and events are planned between Jan. 18 and Jan. 22, according to the organization’s website.
“Although we are registered with the official People’s March organization, our march is a grassroots effort created by local activists who are passionate about ensuring our community is a safe and supportive environment for all,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin said Trump’s re-election in November inspired her to get involved.
“I (like many people) was pretty devastated by the results of the 2024 election,” she added. said. “This felt like the opportunity I was hoping for and I dove right in.”
The RCYD is hosting a poster making party Friday at its headquarters on 16 South Park street from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with pizza for attendees.