Submitted Photo Gabby Johnson, a Minot High School student, is shown behind the banner at City Hall on May 20.

On the heels of recent rallies held in Minot, Gabby Johnson, Minot High School student, is satisfied with the outpouring of attention these events have garnished.

Johnson, as well as several other students from Minot High School Magic City Campus and Central Campus, and Des Lacs- Burlington High School, organized a march last Friday. It was a peaceful protest in support of several issues women face. The protesters gathered at Magic City Campus and marched to City Hall.

The students battled wind, rain and cold temperatures as well as “several honks, some in support and some not,” said Johnson. Some students were also peppered with rocks by middle schoolers.

Initially, Johnson wanted to organize something regarding Roe V. Wade and the recent leaked draft saying the U.S. Supreme Court is now in favor of overturning the ruling on abortion, but quickly realized by talking to other students and faculty that a barrage of social topics surfaced for the MHS Magic City students.

Johnson spoke to faculty and was connected to Magic City Equality, North Dakota Women’s Network and Planned Parenthood. Minot City Council member Carrie Evans, as well as other supportive community members, have given Johnson and fellow students a voice.

In coalition with North Dakota Women’s Network and Planned Parenthood, Johnson’s team was sent a large supply of free merchandise, including T-shirts, signs, banners and ball caps. Johnson was able to spread awareness by giving out items to interested supporters before the march. Some of the slogan’s “Our bodies, our futures, our abortions,” and “Stand with Black Women,” encompass some of the topics of discussion.

The march concluded on the lawn under the flag at City Hall. Many shared their personal testimonies and experiences in the warmth of a lower meeting room of the Minot Public Library.

Johnson said she hopes to continue with a social media presence and local support, bringing these issues to the surface for her peers and the community of Minot.