Rallying for rights

[toutembed=muf5hb] LAKESIDE — Call Carol Ann Murray an individualist.The Lakeside resident proudly shares her political viewpoints and freely expresses opinions on hot-button issues.For instance, she's not a fan of President Donald Trump — and that's putting it nicely.To prove her independent nature, Murray earlier this week prepared to walk alone in her very own Women's March.Heading to Washington, D.C., where about 500,000 protesters gathered to raise awareness for equality on Saturday, wasn't a feasible option for her."I knew I wanted to be part of this movement, but I also knew the crowds and the long day of marching might be difficult," Murray said. "So I decided I would just march myself around Lakeside."Cheryl Harner addresses the crowd gathered to participate in the Women's March on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017 in Lakeside. But after publicizing her initiative through social media and a newspaper article, dozens drove from all across northern Ohio — almost everywhere between Toledo and Cleveland, including Huron, Milan, Sandusky, Bay View, Vickery, Clyde, Fremont, Marblehead and her neighbors in Lakeside — to walk alongside her.In an instant, Murray no longer represented just herself: She became a leader in her community and a voice for those staying silent but wanting change as well.Her message resonated with the 300 or so people attending Saturday morning's peaceful rally near Lakeside Chautauqua. Staged one day after Trump's inauguration, the Women's March in Lakeside was one of hundreds simultaneously taking place around the world."Women are marching for equal pay, for reproductive rights, for the freedom to choose whom to love, for their right to end sexual harassment and violence," Murray said. "We have made strides, but we are not there yet."Murray then explained her reason for organizing the event."I am marching today not just for the rights of women (but for) the rights of all human beings," Murray said from a gazebo overlooking the marchers. "We must eliminate the politics of intolerance and hate and bullying. Every American should be concerned about racial injustice, workers' rights, climate change, gun control, education, health care. The list goes on and on."Protester Barbara McGrady stands among the crowd gathered for the Women's March in Lakeside on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017. Murray received a rousing ovation. She briefly paused before continuing."I want this administration to know that I have done my homework and that I am listening, I am watching and I will stand up," she said."I am marching today for a better, more civil, kinder and more beautiful world for all generations," Murray said. "Thank you all for joining me and being part of this historic worldwide march.""I'm out here for women's rights. There is a lot of concern toward the new administration. It really concerns me that a lot of women aren't going to have a choice or have a place to go for their health care needs. A lot of women can't afford to go someplace other than Planned Parenthood. If enough of the marches are covered, and there is enough women out marching with their supporters, then, hopefully, the administration's eyes will be open to see that these are issues that people are really passionate, worried and concerned about."— Cheryl Switzer-Koontz, Marblehhead"We are united with other women across the country and across the planet. We are standing up for our rights. To change the future, we have to be vigilant about what's going on today."— Patty Braeunig, Huron"I'm out here to make a stand that we are greatly concerned not only about our leadership but the people who are blindly following it. All people deserve respect and to be treated with dignity. We shouldn't have to be embarrassed for our children and our grandchildren when our president speaks."— Barbara Mowry, Lakeside"It's important to me that we bring awareness to women's rights."— JoAnne Duncan, Milan"I'm marching in support of the marches that are going on worldwide. I'm marching because our voice needs to be heard for women and women's rights. I am not sure our new administration is hearing those words. But the new administration must know we are a large group of people that needs our support."— Suzanne Inglis, MarbleheadParticipating in the Women's March in Lakeside, William Banker, 5, holds a sign while walking with his family on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017. [gallery]About 300 people walked in the Women's March Saturday morning in Lakeside.Protest organizer Carol Ann Murray welcomes the approximate 300 people gathered for the Women's March in Lakeside on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017. Retired pastor Ruth Shannon says a prayer before the Women's March in Lakeside on Saturday.