The Women’s March: A Historic Occasion

I know that many are feeling the uncertainty with the inauguration of a president that many feel do not care about their rights. I was feeling that way myself on January 20th.

However, to those feeling that way, myself included, the Women’s March was what we needed. With 750,000 people attending in LA, 500,000 in Washington D.C., and over 673 marches worldwide, with a total participation greater than 3.5 million people, we got a chance to see a strong denunciation of Trump’s brand of politics, which fosters divisiveness according to gender, race, religion, and class.

From seeing people chanting “Love, not hate, makes America great!” to seeing them interact with one another, giving each other water bottles and hugs, I thought myself lucky to be a part of this history.

The posters and signs were so numerous and diverse. We saw a lot of signs criticizing Trump’s tactics, we saw signs supporting women’s rights, immigrant rights, LGBTQ rights, and signs against persecution of Muslims. From witnessing the diversity of these protest signs, I could see that these people were brought together by those who are attempting to divide them up, rejoicing in their love for newfound allies and neighbors.

Then, we saw strings of speeches, many by women in position of power. One representative from Muslim Association of America said she was thankful for how a stranger had treated her when she got off the airport in the States 30 years ago. One councilwoman thanked America for giving her the opportunity to be the first Latina councilwoman in a major city, providing us the story of how her mom came to this country with nothing. A California senator discussed how his single mother raised, fed, clothed, and sheltered him. The mayor of Hollywood listed out the rights garnered by the people, and proclaimed, “We won’t go back!”

From these anecdotes I felt moved, and it reaffirmed in me the spirit of America: the land of freedom and opportunity, where anyone can become anything, and where people from all walks of life come to coexist. And although the inauguration of a president who has not shown respect for such heart and spirit discouraged me and many others, the Women’s March was the antidote. I am not afraid anymore, because I felt the love, 250,000 strong in my own city. This march proved that there are people in this country willing to stand up against injustice and hatred, and fight for the right of every person, whether man or woman, gay or straight, white or black, Christian or Muslim, to pursue happiness.

What did you think of the Women’s March? Let us know @WhatsTrending!