“The sign that tore my heart out was that of a tall, military man. His sign said, ‘So ashamed of the country I served,”’ Dr. Holly Stave said of the New Orlean’s Women’s March that occurred the day after President Trump’s inauguration.

Over the weekend surrounding Jan. 20, many anti-inaugural events were held across the nation and world; Louisiana was no exception. At the Women’s March in New Orleans, an estimated 10,000+ people came together to stand up against the Trump administration and social injustice.

“[At the march] we all shared our commitment not only for women’s rights, but for ALL human rights – the rights of those seeking sanctuary to find a new home, the rights of all religions…,” the Scholars’ professor said. “We were the face of America–multiple races, sexes, genders. ethnicities – and we were diverse. “

The march began as a gathering with speeches from the march coordinators and guests like state Rep. Helena Moreno, D-New Orleans. As the walk from Washington Square to Duncan Plaza began, Lady Liberty was lowered into a coffin and the Jazz funeral proceeded.

“I am ashamed. I am witnessing the triumph of ignorance and bigotry, the election of a fool by fools, to quote my former student,” Stave said. The English professor said that the ght for human rights is just beginning due to the “orange monster” and the people he attracts.

Shreveport also held a Women’s March, coordinated by the National Organization for Women Shreveport/Bossier chapter.

Graduate student Kirsten Doolan attended the march and wore an LGBTQIA+ pride flag as a cape.

“It was great,” Doolan said. “Only one guy screamed at us.” On inauguration day, Doolan said they went on a social media blackout.

“I march to show that we’re not just marching for cis women, or women at all,” Doolan said. Immigrant rights, rights for people with disabilities, justice for people of color and LGBTQIA+ rights are all important causes for Doolan.

Both marches’ leaders encouraged participators to continue to attend community and activist events.

NOW’s next action is “The March for Women’s Lives” in Shreveport outside the Festival Plaza on Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. In New Orleans, Take ‘Em Down NOLA, an organization that marched on inauguration day, is holding a people’s assembly on Feb. 11 at 1 p.m. on 1700 Conti Street.