Denver, with an estimated 2016 population of 682, 500, saw 15% of that number packed into Civic Center Park and its surrounding areas on Saturday, January 21.  Like-minded people stood shoulder-to-shoulder, patiently and peacefully, as they awaited the start of the march through downtown. Through sheer numbers, chants and a multitude of signs that were held up against the blue sky on a chilly morning they expressed their beliefs.  The women, along with plenty of men, small children, seniors and people with physical challenges, voiced concerns about women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, health care, climate change and respect for all. Following the march, they gathered to hear a diverse group of distinguished women speak, sing and share thoughts, each in her own way. And those who turned on the TV when they got home learned the women’s marches throughout the country and the world had followed the same pattern, exceeding all expectations of crowd size.

IMG 9374 from Anne Hebert on Vimeo.

As shown in the video above, the crowd was asked to set aside two minutes to focus on the issue of coerced or forced sexual action. The large number of those who knew someone who had experienced that raised their hand. “If you are ready to protect a younger generation from experiencing this type of violation, raise your hand. If you willing to tell the leaders of this nation that  this is an issue, hear our voices, raise your hand.  If you are ready to put one foot in front of the other and with bravery and honesty march on, raise your hand.” The crowd roared their assent.

At 8am, nearby residents filled the platform at Central Park Station en route to the Women’s March. Photo by Amanda Allshouse.

Long before the march started, participants were packed shoulder-to-shoulder, waving signs, chanting, and enjoying being in a crowd of like-minded people.

Signs with a range of messages filled the air above participants’ heads.

Perhaps the strangest costumes, a llama accompanying a participant dressed as Donald Trump.

Stapleton MCA’s Community Director Diane Deeter carries a sign with a quote from the Dr. Seuss book, The Lorax.

And a classic sign about Donald Trump’s TV program.