Women and other allies will be gathering Saturday in Dow Park in Jamestown for a march in support of reproductive rights and to acknowledge the oppression of multiple marginalized groups.

As a grassroots effort, Danica Olson and other community members came together to plan the march, which is being held in conjunction with the National Women’s March. Olson said the National Women’s March organization put out a call for local gatherings to be held.

“The reason (The National Women’s March) chose Oct. 2 is because it’s two days before the Supreme Court reconvenes on Oct. 4,” Olson said. “It’s kind of a call that they may hear more of the abortion ban laws that are going into effect and, specifically, the one in Texas.”

The local event will be held Saturday in Dow Park, across from the James Prendergast Library, at noon.

Speakers scheduled for the event include Ana Yulaly Stahlman, Andrea DiMaio, Jen Gantebien and Helen Walther. Special features during the event include a land acknowledgment, meditation and mindfulness exercises, a march to Tracy Plaza, and various speeches on multiple marginalized groups.

“The whole point of our speakers is though, yes, reproductive rights are our main focus, we have a theme of ‘All Oppression is Connected,’ and we are trying to recognize that all marginalized groups have intersectionality and how they need equal rights and protection under the law,” Olson said. “It seems more and more that though our constitution says ‘Certain unalienable rights and that it’s for ‘all men,’ — it really isn’t. We’re finding more and more groups that have no protection. So we’ve been reaching out to the Latino community, the Black Lives Matter groups and the Black community, our indigenous community and all of our local tribes. We’re trying to be really inclusive of everyone.”

Olson said the Women’s March effort has partnered with the Jamestown Justice Coalition and the Jamestown YWCA. Both organizations will have tables set up during the event. Ellen Ditonto and Christina Cardinale, candidates for city council At-large, will also be present at the event.

“We’re going to march to Tracy Plaza in front of City Hall, and our current plan is to have the speakers there; we’re just confirming that our permit permits that,” Olson said. “Otherwise, we’ll be marching back to Dow Park because we are confirmed to have speakers there. At every single Women’s March, one of the hallmark events is a march and then a rally, ensuring that involves the city council because, as we all know, that’s where laws and change happen. It starts small — whoever we put in our local offices are often who we elect in the bigger offices down the road. Local elections are just as important, and I think we forget that sometimes.”

Olson said those who are interested in attending the event can RSVP on their Facebook page under “Jamestown Women’s March” or they can visit the WomensMarch.com and find the march under the “Find or Host a March” tab. She said there will also be T-shirts available for sale at the march, on the YWCA website or at the YWCA during their business hours leading up to the march.

“We definitely want you to bring a sign saying what is most important to you about marginalized groups or reproductive rights,” she said. “Bring a pair of tennis shoes because we are planning on marching, and (bring) your voice.”

Masks are required at the event, despite it being outdoors, Olson said. Social distancing will be observed when possible, and hand sanitizer will be provided, but guests are also asked to bring their own if possible.

“The biggest thing is we cannot block the roads, so we will be keeping to the sidewalks and being sure to obey all traffic signs and traffic lights,” Olson said.

The group does not yet have a name, but is looking forward to continuing with other events and efforts in the future. She said the group will be meeting to discuss possible events going forward. At the moment, reproductive rights are at the forefront.

Olson said she believes it is important to hold the event personally because she has experienced discrimination due to her gender, and has begun recognizing the unnecessary fear and oppression so many others are living through.

“I just feel like recognizing how much I’ve already been through and just being discriminated against because of my gender, my eyes are being opened to how many more people are discriminated against for other, bigger things,” she said. “When I walk down the street at night, I fear for my life and I’ve started trying to carry protection. That’s the biggest, scariest thing for me, but I’m recognizing other people are scared every day walking down the street, I’m recognizing people are scared when they see police and I’m recognizing that people are scared when they apply for a job. Too many people are experience pain and fear needlessly, and more needs to be done.”