Women's March Michigan 2018: What you need to know for Sunday

LANSING — Thousands of people took to Lansing's streets last year as part of the inaugural Women's March.

It was a worldwide movement, with the first planned protest taking place in Washington, D.C. the day after Donald Trump was sworn into office as president of the United States.

It's happening again on Sunday, and upward of 20,000 people are expected to attend this year's march in Lansing, according to the event's Facebook page.

"It's all about bringing power to the polls, to get people excited about casting their vote," said Phoebe Hopps, president of the Women's March for Michigan.

Planning to join the crowds this weekend? Here's what you need to know.

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When and where?

When: The 2018 Women's March for Michigan will run from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21.

Where: Michigan State Capitol, 110 N. Capitol Ave. in Lansing.

How much?

The event is free, but an RSVP is requested so that organizers can anticipate the number of participants. To register, go to www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-march-michigan-anniversary-2018-tickets-40861975268. Donations are accepted.

Why?

Women make up less than 25 percent of the legislature in Michigan, so this year's march is centered on encouraging women to run for office at all levels to ensure there's equal representation in policy-making decisions.

"The crowd will get an opportunity to hear from an incredible group of women leaders, who have all taken action in their local communities," Hopps said. "Listening to these women take a stand on the issues they're passionate about will hopefully inspire others to do the same and get involved."

The march also comes in the wake of the #MeToo movement, which has seen millions of women and girls sharing their personal stories of sexual assault and harassment as a way to denounce misogynistic behavior.

(Watch the video below to see Oprah's acceptance speech at the Golden Globes that earned multiple standing ovations.)

Speakers

Featured speakers include: Nicole Denson, social justice activist; Jeynce Poindexter, transgender victims advocate for Equality Michigan; LaShawn Erby, co-chapter lead and co-founding member for Black Lives Matter Lansing; and Emily Durbin, Michigan chapter leader for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

"Like a lot of people, I was traumatized by the Sandy Hook (Elementary School) tragedy. It really stopped me in my tracks," Durbin said, adding that gun violence disproportionately affects women, African Americans and other minorities.

"Women are the real champions of public safety," she continued. "This year is about propelling people into direct action to get the outcomes we want. Looking around and seeing the other faces in your community united is powerful."

Pre-rally party

Mayor Andy Schor announced Wednesday that Lansing City Hall's lobby area will be available as a warming center during the march.

How to go: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lansing City Hall lobby area (first floor), 124 W. Michigan Ave. in Lansing.

Practical Political Consulting will open its offices Sunday morning for a sign making party and warming station. Poster boards and sign making materials will be provided, as well as complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, doughnuts and bagels.

How to go: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Practical Political Consulting, 920 N. Washington Ave. in Lansing. Free parking is available behind the office and on North Washington Avenue.

Weather

There could be scattered snow showers and light rain Sunday afternoon, with temperatures in the 40s and maybe the 50s depending on how far north the system moves, according to Jared Maples, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids.

Parking

All on-street parking meters are free on Sundays and city-owned parking ramps will be open for a cash-only flat fee.

For more information about the march, go to womensmarchmichigan.org.

Contact Reporter Princess Gabbara at pgabbara@lsj.com or (517) 377-1006. Follow her on Twitter at @PrincessGabbara.