“The event is sponsored by the Montezuma Alliance for Unity to recognize and celebrate the important roles women have played in Colorado and American life throughout history and must continue to play to help shape our futures,” Barbara Stagg, an Alliance organizer, said in an email.
Everyone is welcome for the eight-block march, which will start at the Cultural Center Plaza at noon. The march will be followed by a rally at the plaza and will feature speakers including Cortez Mayor Karen Sheek and Juanita Plenty Holes. There also will be an “open mic” for others who are moved to speak about women’s history.
Sheek said she plans to highlight the accomplishments of women in Southwest Colorado and Montezuma County.
“There’s so much focus on the bigger picture that it’s easy to forget we have women who have done a lot of wonderful things in our own area,” she said.
But she also said she’s looking forward to seeing what the other speakers and marchers bring to the conversation.
The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County also plans to attend the march, in lieu of a monthly meeting, according to League organizer Eleanor Kuhl.
Non-marchers are also welcome to attend the rally. Music and refreshments will be provided.
On Jan. 21, the Alliance led the Women’s March for Unity in Cortez, attended by an estimated 500 people. The Alliance is composed of five local groups – the Montezuma County Democratic Party and Democratic Women, the local League of Women Voters, the Mancos Blues Ensemble and the Resource and Energy Action Plan of Montezuma County.
March organizer Connie Fox can be reached by email at 6cpfox@gmail.com.