Southwest Suburban Activists invites the community to take part in its Women’s March.

The Jan. 19 event is planned for 12 p.m. at New Lenox Village Commons in New Lenox.

The march, by design, aims to unite a network of people to effect change, to ensure that communities are inclusive, to increase civic engagement and uplift voices.

Featured speakers will include Celina Villanueva, Lia Oldaker, Donna Miller, Maureen Raferty, Hind Makki, Ahlam Jbara, Deb Wilkey and Kina Collins.

The New Lenox march has drawn a wave of controversy on social media in recent weeks, in part, because of the national organization’s relationship with the nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

Dozens of rallies are expected to take place across the nation.

The Chicago Women’s March won’t be held this year. Leaders of that organization, which is not associated with the national organization, announced on Facebook last month they do not intend to hold a January rally, but they will host an event in October.

Southwest Suburban Activists intends to combine its MLK Day of Action this year with the Women’s March. Donations to support local charities will be accepted at various collection sites. Items needed include women’s deodorant, diapers, tampons, maxi pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, adult diapers, cotton balls and Q-tips.

The New Lenox Women’s March will be made possible in coalition with Action for Better Tomorrow, Arab American Family Services, Indivisible Illinois, Indivisible South Suburban Chicago-ISSC, Moms Demand Action—IL, Warehouse Workers for Justice and other community members.

Southwest Suburban Activists encourages all those interested in attending the Women’s March to RSVP through its website, Facebook or the Action Network.

For information, visit southwestsuburbanactivists.com.