Despite light rain Saturday morning, more than 200 people gathered at the steps of the gazebo at Milam Park in west downtown to participate in the 29th annual San Antonio International Women’s Day March.
“We are one. We are the same. You’re not alone. Take my hand,” “Grandmother” Emma Ortega of the Lipan Apache and Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe sang while beating a buffalo drum she decorated with painted dragonflies.
“They represent the dreams of the individual, the dreams of everyone,” Ortega said.
The theme for this year’s march was ¡La Luche Sigue!, Nevertheless, We Persist!
Victoria Castellanos, first-year marcher and social work major at the University of Texas at San Antonio, said having studied women’s rights in college motivated her to attend.
Members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of the Alamo Inc., an advocacy group who’s members are anonymous, wore handmaiden costumes.
The costumes, made popular by the TV series adapted from Margaret Atwood’s novel “The Handmaid’s Tale,” have become a symbol of solidarity in regards to women’s right and the Me Too movement.
“The march is about elevating women’s voices,” said Sister Katya Klyzm, a member of the group, who declined to give their birth name.
Seasoned marcher Lala Bernal said she attends the march every year because it’s important to exercise civil rights.
“One’s concerns should be brought to the forefront as much as possible,” Bernal said.
The march passed through the downtown, including the Alamo, before returning to Milam Park.
Leave a Reply