More than 20,000 Take Part in Houston Women's March

HOUSTON, TX — In a show of solidarity, more than 20,000 women took to the streets in downtown Houston to raise awareness for women’s rights the day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

The Houston Women’s March, which was held in conjunction with the National Women’s March in Washington D.C., and marches in Austin, Dallas and other Texas cities, began at Jamail Skate Park off Sabine Street with marchers chanting and hoisting signs on a slow march to Houston City Hall.

“I march because I have a daughter, because I’m a female and because I’m a physician,” Regina Troxwell, who brought her baby girl to the march, told KPRC.

The peaceful demonstration drew a significant police presence with officers lining the streets along the route.

The 20,000 strong crowd was the largest demonstration the city has seen, according to Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo.

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, one of about 60 Democratic lawmakers to skip Trumps inauguration, issued a statement applauding the efforts of march organizers.

“I commend the organizers of today’s marches and look forward to working with the Houston area March organizers as well as the national organizers of the many marches around the nation to ensure that women’s rights are treated as human rights in federal government policy and the laws that the 115th Congress considers,” she said.

The Women's March on Washington, D.C.

While the preservation of civil rights under a new administration was the focus of the march, participates said they also hoped to promote greater unity on Capitol Hill.

“I really would like for our country to unite and work together,” Sabrina Guillory said.

Image:Jonathan Eyle-Werve via Flickr