On Saturday, January 21, 2017, about 400,000 people participated in the Women's March in New York City, the estimate of the Mayor's Office. The main march took place in Washington, D.C., but participants around the world took to their own streets to protest the incoming administration and to safeguard human rights.
Women's March NYC. E. 48th St. near Second Ave.
Many arrived in groups and many by themselves. They found their way to the east side and to Dag Hammarskjold Plaza on E. 47th Street and 2nd Avenue to participate in the event. The plaza is named for the Swedish diplomat who served as Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1953 until his death in a plane crash en route to the Congo on September 18, 1961. On April 15, 1967, one of the largest antiwar marches in New York history convened on the plaza. The march from Central Park to the United Nations in 1967 included a broad coalition of civil rights activists, among them Martin Luther King, Jr.
Women's March NYC. E. 47th St. near Second Ave. near Dag Hammarskjold Plaza
The planned route of the Women's March on January 21, 2017 was to begin at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, continue south on Second Avenue, turn and walk west on E. 42nd Street over to Fifth Avenue, and then walk north on Fifth Avenue up to Trump Tower.
The route encompasses some of the most famous New York landmarks. In addition to the United Nations complex, the marchers passed the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal on 42nd Street, the New York Public Library Main Library at the corner of 42nd and Fifth, and the great swath of Fifth Avenue that includes Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Back on E. 48th St., the crowd grows.
On this particular Saturday, the organizers had to deal with the logistical challenges of an enormous crowd that expected to follow the route discussed above. At the beginning of the planned march, East 47th and East 48th Streets near 2nd and 3rd Avenues became a big pink traffic jam.
Women's March NYC. E. 48th St. and 2nd Ave.
Many donned the pink pussycat caps that they knitted or acquired for the event. Nevertheless, all was well and most were in good humor as the participants reveled in like-minded company. For many, the scene was a great contrast to the depressing events of the previous day's inauguration ceremonies.
The front line of the Women's March on Fifth Avenue
The marching part did get going and in a big way. Views of the long streets, on 42nd and especially Fifth Avenue, showed a sea of marchers as far as the eye could see.
Women's March on Fifth Avenue
The walk up Fifth Avenue coincided with a break in the foggy weather and rays of sunshine. Church bells on Fifth Avenue rang out with anthems and hymns, including "This Land is Your Land" and "We Shall Overcome."
As previously arranged, the marchers dispersed on E. 55th Street, one block shy of Trump Tower, a dark and heavily guarded fortress.
The marchers disperse on E. 55th Street.
View of Fifth Avenue looking south. On a day that began with mist and fog, the sun broke through the clouds.
Images and video (on YouTube) by Walking Off the Big Apple from January 21, 2017.
