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What to know: Women's Marches kick off Saturday in Cleveland and Akron

Photos: Women's march in Washington DC
Posted at 2:03 PM, Jan 17, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-17 14:03:23-05

CLEVELAND — Two women's marches in Northeast Ohio, one in Cleveland and the second in Akron, will kick off on Saturday, rain or shine.

The Cleveland March

The 4th Annual Women’s March in Cleveland will kick off at the steps of Cleveland City Hall on Saturday, Jan. 18.

The march, hosted by Women’s March Cleveland, will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Attendees are invited to meet at City Hall, 601 Lakeside Avenue, for speeches before the march kicks off at noon.

Keynote speakers include:

  • Sondra Miller— CEO Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
  • Ohio Rep. Juanita Brent
  • Rev. Tony Minor
  • Sen. Nickie Antonio

Organizers said issues that will be discussed range from rights to education and sexism to racism and equal pay.

Councilman Joe Jones and Matt Zone are expected to speak at the march.

The Akron March

The Akron Women's March is hosting a march at Grace Park in Akron on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Marchers will meet at Grace Park and March to the Sojourner Truth Building for a rendition of the "herstoric" "Ain't I a Woman" speech.

Organizers said the focus for this year's march is "women rising."

Speeches will be given around these areas of focus:

  • Create local activity and movement in issues that affect women
  • Create a support network within the community
  • Increase ongoing community engagement

There will be an after party at Musica, an all-female run business, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be music, comedy and visual art.

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