More than 50 men and women of all ages gathered Saturday, Jan. 18, for the annual Women’s March on Homer, held concurrently with thousands of other Americans marching nationwide.

This year’s march, organized by local residents Audrey Wallace, Lia Jacobsen and Mac Mayer, highlighted social justice and aimed to raise a collective voice in hope for a better future and for “the rights, safety and justice of us all.” Saturday’s event also celebrated the anniversary of the Women’s March, first held in Homer in 2017.

Wallace works as a certified nursing assistant and health unit coordinator at South Peninsula Hospital and is currently attending Kenai Peninsula College. During the 2024 election season, she also worked as the communications manager for Alaska State House candidate Brent Johnson’s campaign. She said Saturday that she decided to organize a Women’s March “first and foremost after the elections” and because of the recent shooting incidents at both the Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic and Kachemak Bay Recovery Connection.

“Like a lot of you, I am simply a member of the community who wanted to do something,” she told those gathered before the march commenced.

Homer’s march began at the Homer Education and Recreation Complex, and participants made their way along Pioneer Avenue to the end at WKFL Park. An afterparty with food, games and community gathering was held in Kachemak Bay Campus’s Pioneer Hall following the march’s conclusion.

Despite Saturday’s cold and rain, spirits were high among both the marchers and other community members. Passing cars on Pioneer Avenue honked in solidarity as the march progressed, and employees at multiple local businesses stepped out their front doors to wave and cheer the marchers on.

Jacobsen addressed everyone gathered at KBC after the conclusion of the march.

“Today as we marched together, we demonstrated the power of collective action and strength that comes when voices unite for justice, equality and change,” she said. “As we close today’s Women’s March, let us carry forward the energy and solidarity we’ve cultivated here.

“This march is not just a moment, but a movement — one that needs each and every one of us to keep it alive. Our communities need us, not just today, but every day.”

Jacobsen also encouraged attendees to affect change by participating in democracy and voting and by supporting local organizations including KBFPC and KBRC.

“Finally, let’s leave today with a renewed sense of purpose and hope. This march is a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together,” she said. “Let’s channel the passion and determination we called today into action, into connection and into a future where equality is not just a dream, but a reality for all.”

At the afterparty, Wallace said that she was “incredibly impressed” with the turnout, especially considering their short organization time and limited resources.

Mayer said that her involvement with organizing this year’s march was part of an effort to be more politically active.

“I was actually very nervous to do this; I’ve never been very politically active. But now, coming into my adulthood … I feel so strongly about doing this and my right as a woman, and that’s why I decided to participate as much as I could and help organize things,” she said.

Jacobsen also said that she appreciated everyone coming out to the march.

“This seemed like something that we could put together and try to make a change, and let people know that we’re here and want to make a difference,” she said. “It’s a great crowd, and I feel very happy and lucky.”

Find more information about the annual Homer Women’s March at www.facebook.com/homerwomensmarch/.

Marchers carry signs in the Homer Women’s March on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Community members participating in the Homer Women’s March on Pioneer Avenue on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Homer, Alaska, carry signs saying “Our Bodies, Our Minds, Our Power, Keep Your Policies off My Body” and other slogans. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

A woman carrying a sign that says “Girls Just Wanna Have Fundamental Rights” gathers with other marchers at WKFL Park in Homer, Alaska, at the conclusion of the Homer Women’s March on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Marchers carry signs in the Homer Women’s March on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

A woman carries a sign that says “Same Shit, Different Century” during the Homer Women’s March on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)