January 21, 2017: A day that the world will never forget. Just one day after Donald Trump's Inauguration, the world turned pink. Millions of women (and men) lined the streets across the United States and beyond to march for equality. From Planned Parenthood to LGBTQ Rights, every person who was there took a stand. From the homemade signs that protesters waved in the air to the powerful speeches given at the rally. Here are the top 5 most powerful speeches from the march that are not only worth watching but will leave you wanting to take a stand for what you believe in:
1. America Ferrera
The "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and "Superstore" star sent a powerful message against hate and division among people. She spoke out against forms of division-some of which existed long before Trump's political rise-and urged the country to stand in solidarity with people of different races, ages, genders, sexualities, and countries of origin. She encouraged everyone not to go down without a fight and to be determined to save the soul of our country.
2. Ashley Judd
"I’m a naaaaaaaasty woman!" Enough said. But seriously, Ashley Judd attacked Trump and said that pussies are not meant for grabbing. “They’re for reminding you that our walls are stronger than America’s walls ever will be” she states. Her scorching spoken word piece for the most powerful moment of Saturday’s Women’s March on Washington!
3. Gloria Steinem
This famous feminist should not be ignored. Not only that, but she is the co-chair of the Women's March on Washington. In her speech, Steinem hailed the Obamas, Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton for their service, noting that Clinton “is alive and definitely not in jail.” Her speech contained some harsh words about Donald Trump, expressing her belief that he is unfit for office, but she declared the modern age to be one of the most dangerous times for American women’s rights, and lashed out at violence, hate speech and a male-dominated society. “No more asking daddy. We are linked; we are not ranked, and this is a day that will change us forever because we are together.”
4. Angela Davis
"No human being is illegal," the famous civil rights activist says in her speech. She states that this women’s march represents the promise of feminism as against the pernicious powers of state violence. Which is 100% agreeable and true. Women’s rights are human rights all over the planet! The freedom struggles of black people that have shaped the very nature of this country’s history cannot be deleted with the sweep of a hand. This country cannot be deleted. To paraphrase: this will be 1,458 days of resistance.
5. Madonna
Even if you are not a fan of Madonna, this speech is worth your time. Believe me. Yeah she dropped a few F-bombs here and there and she verbally attacked Trump like it was nobody's business and threatened him too, but, she did have a few good things to say. "They say it's always darkest before the dawn. I feel like it had to happen to bring people together." That could not be more true.
And for an added bonus, check out Scarlett Johansson's personal story about Planned Parenthood and how important it is for women everywhere.
These speeches are meant to be very moving and they're to be remembered. Each speech spoken yesterday is significant to the movement. We must unite as one and not let Mr. Trump get to us. Our body, our choice. Don't take away our rights!
We are America and we are here to stay!
