Thousands of people marched across the Ringling Bridge during the Women’s Solidarity March.
By
Anna Brugmann
| 9:27 p.m. January 21, 2017
Sarasota
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“We knew it was going to be big, but we didn’t know it was going to be this big,” marcher Barbara Sulton said while watching thousands of people make their way to the Ringling Bridge to participate in the Women’s Solidarity March Jan. 21.
Participants marched from Bayfront Park, across the Ringling Bridge and back.
Demonstration organizer Cathy Bryant said she was stunned by the turnout. On Jan. 17 Bryant said 3,900 people had signed up, with another 1,000 waiting to be added to the roster. At that time she estimated that 5,000 would attend the march.
The march held on Jan. 21 attracted between 7,500 and 8,000 participants according to the Sarasota Police Department.
While many made their way across the bridge, speakers took to the stage including author Stephen King. But for Bryant, the highlight of the event was the lack of altercations despite the number of attendees.
“The mission is to come together,” Bryant said. “There were no party lines … It wasn’t about party. It was about humanity.”
The march was organized in solidarity with the Women's March on Washington, which attracted 500,000 people to the nation's capital. Thousands more marched in solidarity marches in cities around the world, including Sarasota, with an estimated 2.5 million participants worldwide.
Lori Gelbort, Helane Abramowitz and Bruce Abramowitz wear their signs while walking to Bayfront Park for the Women’s Solidarity March.
Mikael Tafesse shouts as cars driving along the Ringling Causeway honk in agreement with demonstrators.
Demonstrators line the street along Bayfront Drive.
Donald Geikie
Taylor Anslinger and Sarah Murowski came from Fort Myers to march in Sarasota’s Solidarity March.
Makenzie Huddleston, Sarah Minkus, Nadia Finerty, Maddie Hazuda and Tony Kernohan
Kiera and Karissa Forlenza
Marchers gathered at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park before marching across the Ringling Bridge.
Marchers gathered at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park before marching across the Ringling Bridge.
Julie Pakbaz, Jackson Pakbaz, Ferguson McLeod, William Pakbaz and Rosemary Ellwood
Don Guy holds a sign while marchers make their way from Bayfront Park to the bridge.
A marcher holds a peace sign while crossing the Ringling Bridge.
Elizabeth Johnson and Jenny Johnson hold signs while marching across the Ringling Bridge.
Sarasota Police Department estimates that between 7,500 and 8,000 people attended the Women’s Solidarity March.
Sarasota Police Department estimates that between 7,500 and 8,000 people attended the Women’s Solidarity March.
Ricki and David Levine and Nancy Finkel
Pat Singletary cheers as passing cars honk in agreement.
Elizabeth Searcy, Nancy Cooperrider and Hannah Lyons make their way back over the Ringling Bridge.
Dawn Lewis and Dawit Tafesse walk across the Ringling Bridge.
Ann Eachus participates in the Women’s Solidarity March.
Clark West shouts as a car honks in agreement.
Carol Stone and Karen Kates hold signs as they march across the Ringling Bridge.
Olivia McGettigan smiles as fellow marchers stop to take her photo.
Elizabeth and Olivia McGettigan
Amanda Farrell participates in the Women’s Solidarity March.
Sarasota Police Department estimates that between 7,500 and 8,000 people attended the Women’s Solidarity March.
Mikael Tafesse
Mikael Tafesse
Laura Proctor and Barbara Sulton
Mango demonstrates for animal rights.
Starlla Jackson and Mandy Jackson prepare to walk in the Women’s Solidarity March.
Demonstrators line the street along Bayfront Drive.
