Idaho County welcomes message of inclusion

GRANGEVILLE — As thousands of people took to the streets Saturday in various Women’s Marches across the nation to show resistance to Donald Trump’s presidency, residents in Grangeville and the surrounding communities took a softer approach.

The city’s first People’s March turned away from divisive language and instead focused on inclusion and equality for all genders, sexes and races.

About 50 people turned up for the event, many of whom carried homemade signs during their trek through the town of about 3,200 people.

Before heading out, one of the organizers prepared participants with ways to handle any hostility they may encounter on the march.

“If you run into someone who doesn’t appreciate your message, I’d encourage you to do your best to just ignore them and keep going,” Norma Staaf said. “That’s on them if they are going to be against the message of inclusion and equality that we have here.”

But that wasn’t needed as the group peacefully traversed the streets. Instead of being met with any form of aggression, they experienced several waving passersby and a few honks of support.

One lady quietly peeked out from a store on Main Street to ask what the march was about.

Another organizer, Larry Nims, of Kamiah, explained the purpose of the event, while carrying a large sign that read “Created Equal.”

Elizabeth Martinez, of Kooskia, made the trip with her three young daughters.

“I just think that it’s a great message to share with everybody, so we wanted them to be involved as young as possible so they could share it, too,” Martinez said.

Her middle child Autum, 11, wore a bright pink polka dotted sweatshirt. Her hand painted sign read “Build kindness, not walls.”

Martinez has never participated in a march, but felt this one, and the message behind it, was important.

“There’s power in numbers and it’s important to spread the message of unity and togetherness,” she said.

In what Staaf called an ugly political season, she decided she wanted an event that spread positive messages. She’s traveled to various marches in Moscow, Missoula and Boise, but questioned why she needed to go anywhere.

“Why not share the message of inclusion and equality here in Grangeville? This message doesn’t go out of style wherever we are,” she said. “This (march) is what we’re for, not what we’re against.”

For Carla Wilkins, the Grangeville outreach coordinator for Lewis-Clark State College, the event was an opportunity to finally do something she’d dreamed about for years. Wilkins wanted to bring a Martin Luther King, Jr.-inspired event to Grangeville for several years. Although the march didn’t land on the official day, it shared a message King was passionate about.

She was one of a handful of speakers following the march.

Her message focused on inclusion in the workplace.

“I believe there is a place in the world for everyone. It all begins with acceptance, patience and training,” Wilkins said.

Tomtas may be contacted at jtomtas@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2294. Follow her on Twitter @jtomtas.