I would like to preface this by saying I don't typically post/share/write anything political. While I welcome differences of opinion and a lively debate, we all know how fast a nasty Facebook war can erupt, and that is just not a way I like to spend my time. However, writing is an outlet for many people (myself included), and it isn't too often inspiration comes along and smacks you right in the face. I think it's important to write about the things that move you and inspire you, while doing so in a polite way, and maintaining a mutual respect and understanding for others' beliefs, ideals, and values. And that is what I intend to do here.
On January 21, 2017, I wiped the impending hangover from eyes and joined the nearly 5,000 women, men and children on the Walkway Over the Hudson in the Women's March. The movement started as one single march in Washington D.C., the day after the Presidential Inauguration, and spurred 650 "sister marches" spanning numerous countries and all seven continents. Nearly every city that planned a march underestimated their attendance by enormous margins. Downtown Los Angeles projected roughly 80,000 participants, and ended up with 750,000. Event coordinators in Poughkeepsie were anticipating 100 people. Coordinators had to redo their park permits five times due to attendance.
I'd like to think I've seen some pretty fascinating things in this lifetime. I studied abroad, went to eight different countries, saw and learned about different cultures and places and walks of life. It was life changing and awe-inspiring and magical. And yet, there was something so unique and powerful and truly life-changing about being part of the Women's March. It was undoubtedly like anything I'd ever seen before or been a part of.
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Today more than ever we are force-fed headlines of division and hate. We see images of crime, war, and vitriol around the world. We read news stories full of hateful speech and discrimination. While I am well aware of the tragedy our world is facing, and understand the need to well-informed about the goings on around me, I feel that we get trapped in this negative news cycle and often forget that there is good in this world. Lots of it.
Marching for women's equality is something, up until a few days ago, I had only read about in textbooks or seen in pictures or movies. I can proudly say that I was part of something so much bigger than myself, my town, or my school. This was a national movement that was inclusive and representative of race, gender, sexual orientation, and age. The presence of children, whether they understood the importance of what was happening or not, was both incredible and encouraging. Their participation shows a movement toward acceptance, respect, and equality, which I believe is something we all can learn from. It was thousands of people joining together for a common goal and a common understanding, regardless of personal differences. The overwhelming sense of community, belonging, and acceptance was impossible to ignore, and more than anything, both gratifying and inspiring.
After having participated in the March, and written this article, I still feel as though my words fall flat. They don't do justice to the March, the movement, or its participants. I am grateful to have marched alongside and for all women, and hope this is only the beginning of the push toward equality for all. Political beliefs aside, I think it's important to take notice of the power of unity, as well as to recognize this powerful moment in history.
