(APN) ATLANTA - 800 women and women's advocates marched on and around the Georgia Capitol today at a rally sponsored by Georgia for Choice.
The theme of the rally was preserving a woman's choice in being able to have an abortion; however, many issues concerning women were raised.
"I am troubled by my sisters and brothers who lack health care," Sir Jesse of the Feminist Outlawz said. Jesse spoke of The Beloved Community, "where one person's struggle is our struggle, where the economic gap is closed."
"On March 6, 2006, the governor of South Dakota signed into law a measure deliberately designed to challenge the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion. South Dakota's radical move has woken up many Americans to the very real threats to their health," a Georgia for Choice press release said.
"This legislative session proved that Georgia's elected leadership is not that far behind. But Georgians will not sit silently by and watch their human rights be taken away," the release said.
The rally started at 2pm on the steps of the Capitol Building. There were speakers until 2:30, and then the march started. The march went down Washington to Martin Luther King, then down Peachtree by Atlanta Underground, past Woodruff Park, and back to the Capitol Building.
"Up with animals, yeah yeah! Down with evil, boom boom!" shouted one organizer.
"When women's voices are missing, the space for those who are against our interests opens up," Georgia State Rep. Able Mable Thomas said in a speech.
"I thought it was fabulous. I think we're building a really strong coalition. We were able to talk about immigration, homelessness, lgbt rights, and economic justice," Mia Mingus, 25, Outreach Coordinator for Georgia for Choice, told Atlanta Progressive News.
"Reproductive Freedom Now!" and "Keep Abortion Legal!" signs said.
"Not the church, not the state, women must decide our fate!" activists cheered during the march.
Numerous candidates for public office showed up, including, but not limited to, US Congressional Candidate Steve Sinton; Lt. Governor Candidates Greg Hecht and Jim Martin; Secretary of State Candidate Angela Moore; State School Superintendent Candidate Carlotta Harrell; Georgia State Senate Candidates RuthE Levy and Nan Orrock; and others.
Atlanta Progressive News also confirmed two rumors. Yes, State Rep. Nan Orrock is running for State Senate for the Midtown Atlanta area seat being vacated by Sam Zamarippa. And yes, Joe Trippi-the former Howard Dean online grassroots guru-has joined Greg Hecht's campaign as a consultant.
US Rep. Lewis (D-GA) had been scheduled to speak but was unable to make it.
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