International Women’s Day on Wednesday was also taken up as a day of resistance for women-identifying individuals and their allies across America. In New York City, organizers of the Women’s March(es) that took place over inauguration weekend gathered to protest outside the Trump International Hotel near Central Park. Thirteen protesters were arrested for civil disobedience, some of whom were organizers of the action, according to The Huffington Post.
Some of us have been arrested #DayWithoutAWoman pic.twitter.com/WSYVdrQjxA
— Women’s March (@womensmarch) March 8, 2017
Pictures of the protests and the arrests have been circulating around social media in solidarity with the individuals arrested, and Women’s March organizers called for support at the precinct where the individuals were detained yesterday afternoon.
NYPD are making arrest of @womensmarch leaders and attendees in Columbus Circle. #InternationalWomensDay #NYC
| @amandamarmor pic.twitter.com/kQ0GACaxWf— Black Girl Fly Mag (@BlackGirlFlyMag) March 8, 2017
UPDATE: Meet us at 7th precinct (19 1/2 Pitt St) in Manhattan to show solidarity with our sisters who were arrested today. #DayWithoutAWoman
— Women’s March (@womensmarch) March 8, 2017
It was announced late yesterday evening that all of those who were arrested had been released, but no details about their booking or arrests have been released yet by the NYPD. According to HuffPo, one of those arrested was Bob Bland, an organizer who recently gave birth and needed to nurse her baby—but the NYPD continued to detain her.
Outside the police station, fellow resisters and reporters were gathered to wait for the individuals to be released, and Linda Sarsour, one of the co-chairs of the Women’s March, was interviewed after leaving the station.
After lauding her fellow protesters for their courage and commitment, Sarsour called other individuals to action. “I feel fine, I feel empowered, I feel proud of what I did today,” Sarsour said. “I hope [my resistance] sends a message to people that you’ve gotta risk it, you’ve got to be bold in this moment.”
Many of our national organizers have been arrested in an act of civil disobedience. We will not be silent. #DayWithoutAWoman
— Women’s March (@womensmarch) March 8, 2017
It’s stunning and beyond admirable what these organizers and protesters and advocates continue to do in the face of the massive injustices being perpetrated by our administration. I for one, am taking notes.