YWCA Northwest Ohio hosts 2nd annual I Rise Unity March, drawing more than in 2017

TOLEDO, Ohio (WNWO) — For the second straight year, YWCA of Northwest Ohio led a march down downtown Toledo to support equality for all.

Last year, around 500 people marched with the YWCA in the I Rise Unity March. This year, the event drew around 600 to 800 marchers.

President and CEO of YWCA Northwest Ohio, Lisa McDuffie believed the march came at a key point, coinciding with the women's march this weekend.

"There is so much energy around really the theme of the women's march, which is get out to the polls. So a good part of what we're going to be doing today is really trying to get people registered to vote, to harness that energy into action."

The march began at the "Toledo Loves Love" mural on Adams Street and continued to the Trinity Episcopal Church. A resource fair welcomed marchers at the Trinity Episcopal Church, following the walk down Adams Street.

Janice Hummer attended the march with lifelong friend, Susan Perzynski.

"It's a unity march, so to gather as many people that are like-minded, like-values, it's important to be together, to show that we care about each other."

Marchers that participated in the 2 1/2 hour event featured representatives from men, women and children, including 15-year-old Tierney Sturgeon.

"Well, young people have a say. Young people are the future. Personally, I plan on becoming president, so I feel like if this is a start, then this is a start. This is where I should do it."

Participants were able to march down Adams Street this year because of the TPD blocking off the street. Last year, they marched down the sidewalk.