Organizers canceled the Women's March event in Northern
California slated for next month over concerns that the rally-goers would be 'overwhelmingly white.'
The Women's March planners say the rally that was to be held in Eureka on January 19, would not represent the diversity of the area, according to
KRCR-TV.
'Up to this point, the participants have been overwhelmingly white, lacking representation from several perspectives in our community,' a press release from the organizers stated. 'Instead of pushing forward with crucial voices absent, the organizing team will take time for more outreach.
The organizers say they will continue to discuss how to broaden representation of Humboldt County in a future event, and is considering holding a celebration of
International Women's Day in March.
'I was appalled to be honest,' said Amy Sawyer Long to the
Washington Times. 'I understand wanting a diverse group. However, we live in a predominantly white area… not to mention how is it beneficial to cancel? No matter the race people still want their voices heard.'
Census bureau data as of July shows Humboldt County, California, being 74 percent identifying as white.
The cancellation in Eureka follows on the heals of an announced cancellation of the Women's March in Chicago where organizers blamed cost and lack of volunteers for preventing them going forward.
After the first Women's March on January 21, 2017. the day after President Trump's inauguration, the national organization has taken a number of public relations hits from accusations of anti-Semitism.
Vanessa Wruble, a former organizer in Brooklyn, claims she was removed from the organization because she was Jewish, an allegation that Tamika Mallory denies.
In November, a statement on behalf of the organization was released by Linda Sarsour, one of the Women's March leaders.
'We should have been faster and clearer in helping people understand our values and our commitment to fighting anti-semitism. We regret that,' the statement read. 'Every member of our movement matters to us — including our incredible Jewish and LGBTQ members. We are deeply sorry for the harm we have caused, but we see you, we love you, and we are fighting with you.'