Hundreds Rally at Humboldt Courthouse on International Women's Day

More than 500 protesters lined both sides of Fifth Street outside the Humboldt County Courthouse in Eureka on Sunday, March 8, filling the sidewalks before noon with signs, songs, and demands that ranged from reproductive rights to the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

Karen Mast, the local organizer for the International Women's Day rally, framed the event's purpose plainly: "We will not be silent." Her call to action encompassed reproductive rights, equal pay, and broader improvements to women's rights. The gathering was part of the national 50501 movement, which stands for "50 protests, 50 states, one movement" and emerged following Trump's second inauguration. Organizers tied the local rally to the global theme "Accelerate Action," citing concerns about the erosion of rights women have spent a century securing, including the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning a nationwide right to abortion.

The crowd, which the North Coast Journal described as notably younger than at previous demonstrations, carried signs spanning a wide range of causes. Signs declared support for immigrant communities and Palestinian resistance, expressed solidarity with the people of Minneapolis, backed federal workers and social security benefits, and called for general human decency alongside Trump's impeachment. The Raging Grannies added sound to the scene, singing protest songs and drumming as protesters voiced their grievances to passing traffic.

Without a permit to march in the street, participants remained on the sidewalk throughout. The visual effect of the crowd stretching along both sides of Fifth Street drew attention from drivers passing the courthouse.

Sunday's rally was the second in less than a week at the same location. A March 4 protest had concentrated on Trump's presidency and the actions of Elon Musk, also organized under the 50501 banner.

International Women's Day, officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, was marked across Humboldt County with additional events. The Soroptimist organization sponsored a Women's March in Blue Lake, while Centro Del Pueblo and the Humboldt Women's International League for Peace and Freedom held an International Women's Day Celebration at the Jefferson Center in Eureka.

Attendance figures varied across accounts of the courthouse rally. The North Coast Journal reported more than 500 participants; the Lost Coast Outpost described "hundreds" lining Fifth Street; the Times-Standard's photo caption by Robert Schaulis characterized the turnout as "dozens." The discrepancy likely reflects different vantage points and times of observation during the hours-long demonstration.