Women's March Chicago ( WMC ) recently announced several new changes and additions to its upcoming January 2020 anniversary march in Grant Park. ( There was a hiatus in 2019. )
The eventkicking off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18will feature a march, but will replace its traditional rally format with a "Gallery of Issues" experience that marchers will interact with while on the go.
Additionally, WMC will honor its marchers with disabilities by having them lead the march through the downtown streets to Federal Plaza. WMC will also introduce a new "Wayfinder Program" in which volunteers will direct and accompany marchers needing assistance.
Currently confirmed to lead the march are Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot; Congresswomen Robin Kelly and Jan Schakowsky; Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle; Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx; Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza; City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin; Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford; and City Clerk Anna Valencia. Each official will also serve as an honorary "Wayfinder," assisting marchers with disabilities as they make their way from Grant Park to Federal Plaza.
Selecting from many progressive issues, WMC chose five critical topics: the 2020 Censu, climate change, gun violence prevention, women's health rights and access, and "Get Out The Vote" actions. During this experience, WMC and partner organizations will cheer on marchers, display banners and signage, engage in text message campaigns, hand out branded swag and more.
Grant Park will open at 9 a.m. Persons with disabilities will enter at Monroe Street and Columbus Drive, and will be directed to a designated accessible gathering area. The general march entrance will be located at Columbus Drive and Ida B. Wells Drive.
See WomensMarchChicago.org .