The weekend of January 20th is a not so distant mirage. One thing is for sure, it definitely feels like nothing good can come out of that weekend. Though, there might be a little something good: 'The Women's March on Washington.'
The day after the Inauguration on Saturday, January 21st, a huge Women's March will take place on the streets of D.C. Many women across the U.S. received a Facebook invite the day after the election, inviting them to this event to join together in the nation's capital to unite against the discriminatory rhetoric of Trump against women and minority groups. And it's not just Trump, it's against all ill facets of the government and country.
The main purpose of the march is to put out the message that women's rights need to be protected, because they may be harmed or taken away during this new administration. These rights include access to birth control and abortions, paid maternity leave, and affordable healthcare. Other rights include not being discriminated against based on gender, or when interviewing for a job, and to live without worry of sexual harassment.
But it's not solely about women's rights it's a stand for human's rights. It's for the LGBTQ community, the disabled, Blacks, Muslims, Asians, Native Americans, immigrants, and all walks of life.
Everyone is invited to join in on the march which will start at 10 a.m. that Saturday morning. The starting point will be the intersection of Independence Avenue and Third Street SW, near the U.S. Capitol.
It is predicted that 200,000 people will participate in the protest. Not to mention, the number of people that will be protesting at the Inauguration the day before.
Will This Bring About Positive Change?
We can't ignore the possibility that something tragic could happen at the Inauguration or at this rally, judging from this past year's senseless events that have occurred: the Orlando Nightclub mass shooting, the Ft. Lauderdale airport shooting just a few days ago, police shooting innocent black people, the list goes on and on. Judging from this, anything could happen. But in order for there to be a radical change, we have to take radical measures.
In 1963, M.L.K. gave his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech at the 200,000 people March On Washington which was organized to spotlight the challenges African Americans faced during that time. This event arguably led to desegregation and equal rights for African Americans.
In the '60s and '70s, there were tons of marches and protests for Civil Rights, against the Vietnam War, as well as a large feminist movement. Women were fighting against workplace inequality and discrimination. A huge leader in that fight was Gloria Steinem, who is also a co-chair for this upcoming Women's March.
This has the potential to be a revolutionary event, for women and all people to stand together for their rights. That being said, it CAN bring about positive change.
Getting There
So you don't live in D.C., but you want to go?
Well, you are in luck. Buses from cities all over the country will be making the trip to the Women's March. Using the website Rallybus.net, just type in your city and it will show a list of buses going to the Women's March.
There are also independent organizations such as the South Jersey Women's Forum that are sponsoring bus trips to the event. A group called iCandy in Pittsburgh which host fundraising and other parties for the LGBTQ community, will be sponsoring a bus trip there as well. Busloads are coming from Michigan, New York, Illinois, South Carolina, etc., etc.
Sister Marches
If you are not able to make the Women's March in D.C., there will be several cities having 'Sister Marches' on the same day. You can find a full list here. Some cities include Birmingham, Alabama; Flagstaff, Arizona; San Francisco, Denver, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, and tons more.
