Western Illinois March for Women

Tri States Public Radio | By Rich Egger,

Published January 21, 2017 at 4:53 PM CST

Magali Roy-Fequiere, who teaches Africana and Gender & Women's Studies at Knox College, led demonstrators during the rally.

Hundreds of people marched through the streets of downtown Galesburg Saturday morning in conjunction with the Women's March in Washington D.C. and similar demonstrations around the globe.

The radio story

"I'm really enthusiastic about all the energy. I am surprised that so many people came out, given that we've only had a week to organize this. So this shows that there is a real hunger for a new vision,” said Magali Roy-Fequiere, who helped organize the rally in Galesburg. Roy-Fequiere and other organizers said their work is just beginning. They plan to caucus, network, and brainstorm ideas for fighting back against a presidential administration they said does not represent them and their values.

The march stretched down the street and around the block.

Demonstrators chanted, "Healthcare is a human right" and "No human is illegal."

"In numbers there is unity, and we can increase the awareness of the need to be advocates of ourselves and for those who cannot advocate for themselves,” said Sharon Graham of Biggsville, who’s involved with an after school program at her church.

Sharon Graham speaks with TSPR's T.J. Carson as people start gathering outside the Knox County Courthouse for the start of the rally.

"I'm willing to give him the opportunity to proceed, hopefully in the interest of all people in the country," Graham said of President Donald Trump. "But I'm also going to be monitoring decisions that he makes. And I hope to connect with other people who are like minded and work together."