Written by Ally Miller-Henson. Photo courtesy of Ally Miller-Henson.
After a leaked draft opinion suggesting that the U.S. Supreme Court will overturn Roe V. Wade, Savannah residents and SCAD students alike were incensed. Twice in the month of May, the streets of Savannah rung with the voices of hundreds of angry Americans. These two marches shed well-deserved light on the importance of reproductive rights and the human right of bodily autonomy.
The first march took place on May 3, only hours after the draft was leaked. The organizers of this protest were able to organize in under three hours, imploring the residents to show up in front of Savannah City Hall at Johnson Square. The rally began with people sharing their histories with abortion or support of those who had had them, forming a kinship among the group. Counter-protesters began to circle, and a wall of sign holders stood tall to block them out. Eventually the group began to march, landing in Johnson square. They chanted in the square, voices drowning out the few who countered them. Finally, the crowd walked back to the front of City Hall. Although a humble protest, those who attended were dedicated to march through the town until the first lightning of an incoming storm struck.
The second march took place on May 14. This protest had a much larger turn out due to the longer time for organizers to get the word out. The group met at Forsyth Park, again starting with a circle of story-sharing. Many brave people spoke, some about their personal experiences, and some about the stories they’d heard. Georgia State House candidate Micah Smith was one who spoke. She began a chant, “Republicans want to take us back,” and implored the group to finish, “but the only way forward is forward.” After many stories, the group began to walk. Although the protest started on the sidewalk towards Chippewa Square, the crowd began to take to the streets. Once reaching Chippewa the protesters continued on, looping back to end at the Forsyth fountain. The march ended with the protesters standing in front of the fountain chanting, “My body, my choice.”
Savannah’s ability to come together as a community when rights are at risk is remarkable. Overall, the two protests were empowering. They represented a support for reproductive rights, lifting up those who have had abortions. If you were unable to attend the last two protests, keep an eye out on the Savannah Women’s Rights and Activism Facebook, along with @savannahabortionmarch on Instagram.
