NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Thousands marched through New Orleans on Saturday to oppose President Donald Trump’s proposed policies.
Louisiana groups, including Women’s March New Orleans, Our Revolution, NOW Baton Rouge and Millennials March, joined with others to highlight the importance of holding elected officials accountable to maintain civil victories gained by women, people of color and the LGBT community.
The march was in solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington.
“We strongly feel that the Trump administration will impinge on the rights of women, the LGBT community and impinge on religious freedoms,” said Noelle Nolan-Rider, 41, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
Despite a forecast of heavy rain, Nolan-Rider said she and her goddaughter made the hour-long trip to participate and network on behalf of the Mississippi Minorities Alliance, a grass-roots social advocacy group.
“It’s nice to see this many people out in force,” said Nolan-Rider, a structural welder who helps build ships for the Navy.
“Hopefully we can build some solidarity between the groups. Often times it feels like we are the minority in Mississippi because we definitely live in a very red state.”
Still she said she was optimistic that rallies and marches like those held in New Orleans, Washington, D.C., and other areas would result in positive progress for issues she’s concerned with.
Nolan-Rider was among thousands to demonstrate throughout the city’s historic French Quarter, some carrying home-made signs along with umbrellas to ward off the rain.
A brass band was among the entertainment in the parade, which included a cross-section of people both young and old who chanted various slogans, including “Equal Rights!”
Speakers at the event included state Sens. Karen Carter Peterson and JP Morrell, state Rep. Helena Moreno and New Orleans City Councilmember LaToya Cantrell.
Tourists were drawn to the scene as well. Some were seen taking photos as the wave of people moved down Decatur Street toward Jackson Square.
There were no reported arrests.
The Women’s March occurred on the same day as an event in Baton Rouge promoting the sanctity of life and opposition to abortion. Louisiana Right to Life held its annual march to the state Capitol.
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