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Springfielders Head To DC For 'Women's March On Washington'

Meg Evans Lazare, Debbie Bandy & Keri Tate
Rachel Otwell
/
NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS
(L-R) Meg Evans Lazare, Debbie Bandy & Keri Tate
Credit womensmarch.com
poster for the event

The result of the presidential election has caused many people to get more involved politically. On January 21st, the day after president-elect Donald Trump is to be officially sworn in as commander-in-chief, thousands of activists are expected to gather in Washington DC for what's being called the "Women's March on Washington."  

Across the country other rallies will be held in capital cities, like Springfield. We spoke with three local women: Meg Evans Lazare, Debbie Bandy & Keri Tate, who will be heading to DC for the protest there. They talk about why they feel a need to get involved, and what they hope the effort could mean for the future of progressive causes:
The march is bringing together activists, and those who have historically been less outspoken, like Debbie Bandy of Springfield. She is related to central Illinois Republican congressman Rodney Davis. "Yes I am his sister. I love him dearly. He is my baby brother, but we do have different political beliefs in some areas. In others, we have similar political beliefs. I can't let that get in the way of me doing what I think needs to be done to preserve and protect our precious democracy," says Bandy.

Keri Tate, a pre-school teacher, says she'll have a message for Donald Trump and Republicans controlling congress. "I feel like it's my chance to stand up and say, very visibly: you may not on day one proceed with this agenda. We're here. From the very first day we're going to be watching every single choice. And we will have something to say about it."

 

Rachel Otwell of the Illinois Times is a former NPR Illinois reporter.
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