The Women’s March announced Thursday that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) will address attendees of The Women’s Convention on its opening night Oct. 27 — and some activists weren’t happy.
Why was Sanders chosen to speak?
Tamika Mallory, co-founder of Women’s March, told USA Today that Sanders was chosen to be a headline speaker at the convention because he knows how to mobilize young activists.
We are so excited to have @SenSanders join us at the #WomensConvention October 27-29th in Detroit! https://t.co/UssiTSe2IN
— Women's March (@womensmarch) October 12, 2017
“I think that right now, no one can deny that Bernie Sanders is probably one of the most powerful U.S. senators … on progressive issues, women’s issues, mobilizing millennials. He is really in line with the principles of the Women’s March,” Mallory said.
Mallory added that “we believe as women … that we ought to have more than just women at the Women’s Convention.”
“People want to hear from the leadership from within our government who can give us some insight about what’s happening … so we can know what we need to do to be able [to] organize,” Mallory said.
Sanders wrote in a Facebook post that he is honored to join the event.
“In January, millions of women came out in an extraordinary and unprecedented display of power and resistance,” Sanders wrote. “Now more than ever, we must support the leadership of women across the country and fight together to advance our progressive agenda.”
What did activists say?
Some activists objected to the prominent position Sanders was given at the three-day convention because he is a man, or because he challenged former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the Democratic presidential primary.
Incredibly disappointed @womensmarch.You couldn’t find any inspiring, powerful, woman to give the opening speech? I can give u a long list. https://t.co/n8HvU1367Q
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) October 12, 2017
126 million women in America and you couldn't find one to open a feminist convention? Wow I guess we really need feminism. https://t.co/H1CpiHAdBb
— Jill Filipovic (@JillFilipovic) October 12, 2017
So… there were no women available … to open the womens convention…? https://t.co/m1QDj2KX4N
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) October 12, 2017
Were no women available? https://t.co/kDbyAfnYvd
— Amanda Becker (@AmandaBecker) October 12, 2017
Choosing a MAN to give the OPENING SPEECH at a #WomensConvention?
A man who villified a woman many respect?
Hard pass, @womensmarch. Wow. https://t.co/y7bTnCA7CD
— leah mcelrath (@leahmcelrath) October 12, 2017
A white dude is delivering the opening speech at the first women’s convention in 40 years.
Such progress. Wow. https://t.co/WNmVznMo9K
— Imani “too many goddamn Nazis around here” Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) October 12, 2017
Pretty amazing. How did the WomensMarch not find any woman for this gig? Unfollowing https://t.co/vJJhB99KUa
— Neera Tanden 🌊 (@neeratanden) October 12, 2017
Might just be me, but I'd have loved to see a woman keynote the Women's Convention. https://t.co/iwNrk8vG63
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) October 12, 2017
Old white man finally put in charge of struggling feminist movement https://t.co/JTfzCZLzH6
— Kate Harding (@KateHarding) October 12, 2017
This is really unfortunate.
Especially given Hillary was not invited to speak at the March.
What, were no women available to speak? Mistake! https://t.co/Zbg2wfnDLI— Amy Siskind (@Amy_Siskind) October 12, 2017
How did the Women’s March respond?
In response to the backlash, the Women’s March organizers posted a statement on Twitter saying that they invited a number of lawmakers to speak, and that Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) will also address the convention.
The #WomensConvention will open Friday morning with remarks from a number of inspiring women leaders. Please read and share our statement. pic.twitter.com/OlFX5Zi8Q2
— Women's March (@womensmarch) October 12, 2017
The Women’s March added that more than 60 women will address the convention.
near my name?