The Women’s Freedom Rally at Erie’s Bayfront Convention Center was a powerful event, drawing an estimated crowd of 600 people, all gathered to support one central cause: women’s rights. The air was charged with energy as attendees donned T-shirts emblazoned with “Don’t Give Up Our Rights” and held up signs like “Kamala Harris Obviously” and “Harris/Walz,” showing their clear preference for the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. This was more than just a political rally; it was a stand for something bigger—protecting women’s reproductive rights, closing the gender gap, and ensuring a better future for all women.
Kamala Harris, now the Democratic nominee for president, has become a symbol of hope for women across the country. Many speakers at the event echoed a unified message: Harris is the clear and obvious choice for those concerned about women's rights, especially reproductive rights. With the possibility of a Harris presidency, there's a tangible sense of hope that wage gaps, career opportunities, and bodily autonomy could finally be protected and advanced. But the stakes are high, as many fear a potential rollback of these rights, particularly under the leadership of Harris’ Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump.
In a fiery speech, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, the keynote speaker, didn't hold back. She spoke directly about the threat Trump poses to women’s rights, pointing to his long history of disrespecting women and his direct role in undermining their rights. "The man who ripped away women's reproductive rights is going to be right here in Erie, Pa., tomorrow," Innamorato said, referring to Trump’s rally planned for the following day. Her words were sharp, direct, and landed heavily on the crowd, who knew too well the implications of the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade.
Trump, she noted, has a long record of offenses against women. "He has made vile comments about women. He bragged about assaulting women on the 'Access Hollywood' tape. He’s been accused by numerous women over decades of assault and abuse. He’s been found liable for sexual abuse," Innamorato continued. The room seemed to buzz with indignation and resolve. Innamorato also emphasized Trump’s role in appointing the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, a landmark ruling that had guaranteed abortion rights under the Constitution for decades. It was clear that to those attending the rally, Trump’s history and policies represented a significant threat to the progress women had fought for over generations.
Dr. Theresa Wheeling, a Meadville physician and former lifelong Republican, took the stage to share a deeply personal story. She told the crowd about her experience terminating a pregnancy at 22 weeks due to medical reasons. It was a wanted pregnancy, but her life was at risk due to congestive heart failure, and her difficult decision to terminate allowed her to later give birth to two more healthy children. Wheeling’s story highlighted the importance of women being able to make their own reproductive choices, free from the interference of politicians. She pointed out that, had her situation occurred today, she wouldn’t have had the same option in Ohio, where abortion is illegal after 21 weeks and six days.
Her story resonated deeply with the crowd, drawing attention to the real-life consequences of losing access to abortion services. The crowd was reminded that since Roe v. Wade was overturned, the legality of abortion now depends on individual states, and states like Ohio have imposed harsh restrictions. Wheeling’s testimony illustrated what’s at stake and why so many have rallied behind Kamala Harris to protect these vital rights.
But reproductive rights weren’t the only issue on the table. Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Angela Ferritto took the stage to tie the fight for reproductive rights to the broader struggle for workers' rights. “Reproductive rights are workers’ rights,” Ferritto declared, underscoring how a woman's ability to control her body directly impacts her career, education, and financial future. She drove home the point that reproductive freedom is about far more than just healthcare—it's about the ability to participate fully and equally in society. “We will not go back to fewer rights, fewer protections, and fewer dollars,” she said, her voice rising as the crowd cheered in agreement.
Women today, Ferritto noted, are facing the fight of their lives to secure their freedoms and shape a better future for themselves and their families. The overturning of Roe v. Wade, she explained, was a monumental step backward—not only in the fight for reproductive rights but in the ongoing battle for wage parity and equal opportunities. She left the audience with a rallying cry: “We won’t go back.” It was a sentiment shared by all those present, as they stood united in their desire to push forward, not retreat.
Erin McClelland, a candidate for Pennsylvania treasurer, added another layer to the discussion. "It's a conversation I never thought I'd be having with my legislators," she said, referring to the need to defend women's reproductive choices. Her words mirrored the shock many have felt in recent years, as debates about women’s bodies have once again taken center stage in American politics. For McClelland and many others, it’s baffling that in 2024, women still have to fight to control their own bodies.
The rally featured a wide array of speakers, each bringing their unique perspective to the cause. Erie lawyer Emily Mosco Merski, Daria Devlin from the Hamot Health Foundation, Crawford County Democratic Chairwoman Lindsey Scott, poet and entrepreneur Mabeline Howard, and daycare owner Tiffany LaVette all spoke passionately about the importance of standing up for women’s rights. These women were not just rallying for a political cause; they were rallying for their futures, their families, and the generations of women who will come after them.
Among the crowd, men stood in solidarity with the cause as well. Chris Szumigala of Erie wore a shirt that read, “Old White Dudes for Harris 2024.” He explained that he was there not just for himself, but for his great-niece and his newborn granddaughter. His presence was a reminder that the fight for women’s rights affects everyone and that men, too, have a role to play in ensuring those rights are protected.
Zarina Syed, a lawyer originally from Union City, attended the rally with her brother, his girlfriend, and their family. "We're all here today to support women's rights and Kamala Harris," she said, reinforcing the sense of unity that pervaded the event.
One attendee, Jessica Bengel of Erie, described the feeling of renewed optimism that came with Harris' emergence as the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden stepped aside in July. "Everybody had a lot more hope all of a sudden," Bengel said. "I think people feel more joy and hope."
The rally at Erie’s Bayfront Convention Center was more than just a political event—it was a call to action. Women and men alike stood shoulder to shoulder, united in their determination to fight for a future where reproductive rights are protected, wage gaps are closed, and opportunities are equal for all. The sense of urgency was palpable, but so was the sense of hope. With Kamala Harris as their champion, those at the rally left feeling more determined than ever to keep pushing forward.
Login