Aurora resident Marielena Arroyo-Jurado believes in standing up for what you believe in, no matter how cold it is outside.
“In terms of being here and volunteering, it’s important to continue to stand tall for your rights and for what you believe in,” Arroyo-Jurado said after being dropped off at Wilder Park in Aurora on Saturday morning to take part in an event marking the anniversary of the 2017 Women’s March, which included events held around the country just over nine years ago.
“Despite the weather, democracy takes no break – rain or shine – it continues on,” Arroyo-Jurado said. “There’s no break in this and it’s important to spread the awareness of women’s equality and coming together and supporting each other.”
Saturday’s event in Aurora was organized by the Indivisible Kendall County group and included scheduled speeches by Aurora Mayor John Laesch; state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora; Kane County Board member Sonia Garcia; and Chuck Adams, the founder of Indivisible Aurora, as well as a short ceremonial walk in downtown Aurora.
According to a press release from the Yorkville-based Indivisible Kendall County group before Saturday’s event, “participants of all ages, backgrounds and identities are invited to gather in support of gender equality, reproductive freedom, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights and the protection of all communities who continue to fight for dignity and equity.”
Cecilia Martinez, who handles marketing for the group, spoke two days before the event and declared it was a go despite Saturday’s predicted bitter weather.
“We haven’t done an anniversary walk before, at least not that I’m aware of, but we posted this on our website and advised people to dress warm,” Martinez said.
“We want to raise awareness about women’s groups and the struggles across the country right now,” she said.
Chuck Adams, of Aurora, said it was important to be at the event “after organizers reached out to me to be a speaker.”
“It was one of those things that I decided I certainly needed to do,” Adams said. “We need to stand up for our neighbors. Certainly, this is a time of turmoil for a lot of communities, especially those who are
marginalized historically. We just need to show up and make sure all of those folks, regardless
of their orientation or circumstances, are not alone.”
Johanna Byram of Yorkville was also on hand at the event.
“With the weather, I wish it wasn’t like this, but this is important as we’re losing so many of our
rights with the stroke of a pen,” Byram said. “We have had so many things taken away that women have fought for over many generations.”
About 50 people attended the event on Saturday.
“The numbers today may be small, but it still matters,” Byram said. “You have to stand up. You have to be counted.”
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
