photo by: Lily O'Shea Becker

Hundreds gather to listen to speakers at a rally for reproductive rights on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at South Park.

The public is invited to South Park for a rally advocating for women’s rights in the lead-up to the election on November 5.

The rally is set for Saturday, November 2, at the gazebo on the east side of South Park, running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This date coincides with the national women’s rights march in Washington, D.C., which organizer Judy Grant said was why organizers chose to schedule the event for that day.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a diverse lineup of speakers discussing women’s rights. The speakers include Melinda Lavon, chair of the Douglas County Democratic Party; Dena Sattler, candidate for Kansas Senate District 3; Rep. Barbara Ballard; Brooklynne Mosley, presumed representative-elect for Kansas House District 46; Dr. Ashley Bloom; Amii Castle, attorney and professor at KU; Ursula Minor, president of the Lawrence chapter of the NAACP; and Sen. Marci Francisco, the incumbent running to represent District 2.

Sugarfoot Detour, a local band, will also open the rally around 10:45 a., and close it out around 1 p.m.

The rally will take place rain or shine. While some rain ponchos will be provided, attendees are encouraged to plan ahead. Bringing lawn chairs and/or blankets is also recommended.