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Politics and Activism

Marching Against Trump

#NotMyPresident

Ashley Ann Bigard
Dec 06, 2016
North Carolina Millennials
12
Marching Against Trump
Ashley Bigard

Last Saturday, I had the honor of peacefully marching against the hate filled President-elect Donald Trump. Some have supported me. Others have told me I'm wasting my time and destroying my friendships. I'd like to tell my side of the story.

As a woman, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and someone with siblings of mixed races, I am afraid. I am afraid of the policies that President-elect Donald Trump has said he will implement during his time in office. I am afraid that his words will normalize sexual and physical assault.

In the 22 days that Donald Trump has been named President-elect, there has been a massive spike in hate crimes. People are being beaten all because of the words of one man. That in itself is scary.

Donald Trump's words have opened the floodgates of racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, and all around hate. In a mere three weeks, America has turned upside down with the election of this man.

When I was marching in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina with my homemade sign, I was proud. I was proud that my voice was being heard. Every time someone honked and waved their hand in support, I was proud to be in the crowd. Every time a news camera got in my face, I stared into it with the utmost confidence.

As an American citizen, I am graced to have the right to peacefully voice my opinion. Since I have the ability to exercise that right, I'm going to. I will march as long as it takes for the message to get across that I and over half of voting Americans refuse to support hate in the White House.

On Saturday, December 3rd, the KKK held a victory parade in Raleigh, North Carolina in honor of the election of Donald Trump. This Saturday, December 3rd, I and a large group of citizens in Charlotte, North Carolina marched against hate. We marched for love, peace, and safety of ALL Americans. America is the land of the free, not the land of the free if you're a white male with money.

I am a proud protester of Donald Trump. I know that my marching will not change what has happened, but it makes it known to my city and my country that I will not allow hate to reign over my life.

I cannot wait to continue marching with the wonderful group of people I have met who believe the same thing I do -- America will not be a safe and open place when Donald Trump gets into the Oval Office. We want to do everything we can to make sure that we keep all of our citizens safe and protected from the hatred of Donald Trump.

I will proudly continue using the hashtag #NotMyPresident. Because I refuse to call anybody who lives with that much hatred in his heart my President.

Marching against Trump is something I'm proud to do. I was featured on local news stations because of how passionate I am about this cause. I will not stop.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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