Thousands of women gathered in Atlanta on Saturday on the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump’s inauguration to pledge they would build on a movement that began a year ago with a wave of marches around the nation.
The crowd gathered at The Bakery in south Atlanta, waving signs with famed quotes from Democratic lawmakers and quips aimed at Trump. Many in the crowd said they had hardly been politically active before Trump’s win – but are now deeply involved.
“This brings us hope. There’s gotta be some positivity out of this,” said Melissa Lach of Dahlonega. “If all these people come together in 2018, we’ve got to see some changes.”
Both the leading Democratic candidates for governor are women, as are many of the party’s top contenders for statewide office. And the party is eager to contrast its ticket with the GOP — just about every top Republican contender for state office is a white male.
Actress Alyssa Milano, who helped Democrat Jon Ossoff’s special election campaign last year, energized the crowd with a plea to elect Democrats in 2018 midterms.
“Donald Trump’s name may not be on the ballot this year, but here is what is on the ballot: our Constitution. Our rights. Protection. Equality and justice. Our lives,” she said.
• Exclusively on myAJC.com: One year after Trump's inauguration, Georgia women plunge into politics
