• The People’s March, rebranded from the Women’s March, will occur in Washington ahead of Trump’s inauguration.
• The march aims to broaden its appeal amidst a challenging time for progressive movements.
• Attendance is expected to be significantly lower than the original Women's March in 2017, estimated at about one-tenth.
• The event will focus on issues including women’s rights, racial justice, and climate action.

As the nation braces for Donald Trump's return to the White House, the People’s March is set to take place in Washington, D.C., just days before his inauguration on January 20. This year marks eight years since the original Women's March, which mobilized over half a million participants in a powerful response to Trump's first election. Organizers have rebranded this gathering as an inclusive effort to revitalize support for various progressive causes, transitioning from the previous Women’s March due to criticisms of a lack of diversity and inclusivity in the original organizing model [AP News].

This year's mobilization is expected to attract far fewer participants, with forecasts estimating turnout at only about one-tenth of the initial march's size. Many progressive voters are currently grappling with feelings of exhaustion and disappointment, particularly following the recent loss of Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. “The reality is that it's just hard to capture lightning in a bottle,” said Tamika Middleton, managing director of the march, highlighting the unique political climate of 2017 when the original march sparked unprecedented activism across the U.S. [Los Angeles Times].

Participants in this year's People’s March will rally for a broad spectrum of issues such as women's reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration reform, and the fight against climate change. The demonstrations will conclude with discussions led by various social justice organizations, emphasizing a collective movement towards sustained advocacy rather than viewing the march as an isolated event. Jo Reger, a sociology professor at Oakland University, remarked on the challenges of uniting diverse perspectives under one umbrella, noting, “Often what it does is bring change and bring in new perspectives, especially of underrepresented voices” [The Guardian].

While turnout may be lower, those attending the People's March are sure to carry the spirit of solidarity and activism that characterized the original protests. As participant signs declaring “Abortion rights now” and “We will not be silent” resonate through the streets, the rally aims not only to protest current issues but also to foster long-term engagement in community activism [India Times].

This year’s People’s March reflects a pivotal moment for progressive organizing and emphasizes the necessity of addressing multiple social justice issues collectively as the political landscape shifts once again.