Rain holds off for annual Atlantic City Women's March and Rally (2024)

ATLANTIC CITY — A group of about 60 or 70 people walked 1 1/2 miles from the Boardwalk and South Rhode Island Avenue to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall during the annual Atlantic City Women’s March.

The march advocates for women’s rights and equalities by bringing attention to a variety of issues, like reproductive rights and the gender pay gap, but it also celebrates women’s achievements by dedicating the event to a different woman each year.

This year, the event posthumously honored Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver for her contributions to the state and to Atlantic City.

“Today is the day that I honor a family member, as well as the amazing women throughout the state of New Jersey,” said Pamela Shields, a niece of the late lieutenant governor.

Oliver not only advocated for women’s rights and championed social justice causes but also diversified the state’s political system by becoming the first Black woman to serve as lieutenant governor and have a statewide seat as an elected official.

Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz added that in this city, particularly, Oliver garnered extra money for community development, negotiated the partnership between the state’s Department of Community Affairs and the city, and increased the involvement of the Hispanic community in government by hosting Hispanic town halls, in addition to attending the resort’s ethnic festivals.

Oliver was the keynote speaker for the first Atlantic City Women’s March in 2019.

“It’s such a rewarding opportunity being amongst so many phenomenal women who are making changes statewide. Not only do I see a bright future with our women, but I see a great horizon in the days ahead,” Shields said.

Nycole Lyles-Belton, a co-chair on the march committee, said it was awesome to see women from all walks of life come together to empower one another.

Inclement weather led to the postponement of the event March 23, but despite cloudy weather Saturday, more people than expected arrived at the South Rhode Island Avenue meetup spot at 10 a.m.

“We felt like women should have a choice what to do with their bodies,” said Egg Harbor Township resident Sue Blair, who attended with other members of the city’s Unite Here Local 54 branch. “Women’s rights are under attack, and we, as women and people, need to fight for them.”

Blair cited issues such as gender equality, equal pay, and safe choice/pro-choice as the reasons she was motivated to participate in her first women’s march. She also noted that Donna DiCaprio, the Unite Here Local 54’s current president, was the first woman to hold the powerful position for the union that has more than 10,000 members. That, Blair said, was another reason to celebrate.

Other participating organizations included Planned Parenthood, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and Delta Sigma Theta for Atlantic City Alumni.

“I’ve never been to a women’s march, or seen one, so I give them a lot of credit for doing this, especially in Atlantic City,” said Jen Davis, who was vacationing in the city from the East Stroudsburg area of the Delaware Water Gap when she saw the march pass by on the boards near Mississippi Avenue.

She shouted to the group in agreement with a fist bump and said advocating for women’s mental health, addiction recovery services, and addressing female homelessness are issues that are important to her.

Escorted by city police, the diverse group of men and women chanted “What do we want? Choice! When do we want it? Always!” while holding signs with phrases like “Women’s rights are equal rights,” and “Bans off our body!”

A pink-and-white banner that read “2024 Atlantic City Women’s March honoring the life & legacy of the Honorable Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver” was on display. Other women in office who attended the event included 2nd Ward Councilwoman Latoya Dunston and Pleasantville Council President Carla Thomas.

“And it’s also nice to know that the men came out to cover us and to support us as well,” Lyles-Belton, a march committee co-chair, said.

Mayor Marty Small Sr. attended the march with his wife, La’Quetta, superintendent of the city schools, alongside Council President Aaron “Sporty” Randal. Political candidates Tim Alexander, Andy Kim, and Carolyn Rush also attended.

Members of Oliver’s family were present for the noon rally at Boardwalk Hall following the march. The rally featured a lineup of speakers, including Estina Baker, the chief of staff for state Sen. Britnee N. Timberlake, the youngest person elected to the senate.

“It’s important to note that this is not just a one-and-done situation. We’re continuing to move forward, and we’re continuing to be present and visible in the community so people know that they’re not alone,” Lyles-Belton said. “Knowing that Sheila Oliver did so much for Atlantic City, it’s nice to know that we’re doing this right here, today, no matter what the weather brings.”