A woman of color in a sea of all things diverse, ethnic, and empowering. The, "Women's March on Washington" that occurred on January 21 was undoubtedly a success. With over one million women and men gathered in the streets of Washington and five million protestors in solidarity worldwide. Forever united for woman's rights, immigration rights, Black civil rights, LGBT rights, and funding for public services. The organization that can be credited for the march are the national co-chairs/ chairs of the "Women's March on Washington" committee with respected partners, Planned Parenthood and NRDC. The intent of the march is made clear throughout the websites slogans, clothing, and rhetoric. As defined on the website itself (www.womensmarch.com) the intent of the march is to, "Stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families - recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country."
With such a moving message and strong will, the vision of this campaign can only be viewed as peaceful. For the intent is pure in the eyes of many women, men and children that feel the absolute need to exercise their concerns in the most civil way they know how. Which is through peaceful protest. Revolving around the idea of women being "NASTY", "FEARLESS", "EXPRESSIVE", and "OPINIONATED.", women across the country exhibited these traits creatively within their hair, clothing and signs. Which I personally favored.
It was one of the most exciting things to have ever witness. Such an incredible thing to be a part of. Granted I was not as overtly dressed and dazzled for the march as other women were with their colorful hair and satirical protest signs. Yet I made up for it in being as passionate about the march as they were. Each man and woman there were protesting for their own individual interests. Rather it be for "BlackLivesMatter", "Muslim Civil Rights", or for the continuation of Planned Parenthood's funding. It was the individual interests and passion of these people that collectively brought them together. This kind of unity and mobilization was easily an example of what democracy is supposed to look like in our country. To think it took a bigot in office to create such a positive catalyst for women and men from all cohorts to mutually agree on one thing: " WE NEED CHANGE!"
At the time, my heart was heavy with the words of the speakers that spoke bravely to thousands of people. Telling their personal stories and demanding that further justices be enacted. From chanting names of police brutality victims and singing songs of hope, no words can ultimately paint the picture of what I have witnessed. It was truly remarkable to see what people can do with the voice they were given.
Before the march, I never really thought it was possible to see so many people angry over the current state of our country. I never would have assumed that it wasn't just me feeling fearful for the lives of Black, Hispanic, and Muslim peoples. It really is something special when you are in a sea full of white and each person is chanting that your life matters...
I spent that whole day savoring the chaos that was undergoing. I spent the day marching, chanting, discussing, and spreading love to my fellow comrades. Just like everyone else, I made sacrifices to get there and for the rest of my life, I will never regret making those sacrifices. I was a part of something greater, something bigger. We made history. We were a part of history in the making.
For those that disagree with the politics of the march I say, "Shame on you."
"Shame on you. Shame on you. Shame on you."
If you are not for a better tomorrow then you are not for a better America. God Bless.
