Hundreds turn out for Augusta's Women Solidarity March

News 12 NBC 26 @ 6:00 / Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- While thousands marched in Washington D.C., hundreds marched in downtown Augusta. Organizers say more than 600 people marched Saturday afternoon for the Augusta Solidarity Official Sister March.

The dark clouds and rainy weather did not dampen the spirits of those marching in downtown Augusta. Hundreds met at Springfield Village Park and marched for the Augusta Solidarity Sister March of the Woman's March on Washington.

Keeley Burwinkel is a co-founder of the march.

"Once it got finalized and people found out we did have our permits and once we started getting some media coverage, we've really mainly had support," Burwinkel said.

She says the march brought in a really diverse group, not just women's rights supporters.

"Activists from all areas, and gatherings, and groups can feel free to come without anyone of them considered being anymore important than the other," she said.

One person inspired by this is Vanessa Flournoy. She heard about the march and went to check it out.

"It is exciting to see people take up a position and take a strong position on something as important as this," Flournoy said.

One purpose for the march is to give everyone a chance to have their voice heard..

"If you cannot make a timeline of when your rights were granted to you then maybe you need to think about that when you question why people are coming together and raising their voices in unity and solidarity," Burwinkel said.

Flournoy hopes this nationwide movement is a spark for change.

"We take some action beyond marching, that we start looking at women candidates, women on the bench, women in different aspects, entrepreneurs, we need to take it to the next step and that would be action," she said.