If you were to arrive at the Bayfront Park amphitheater in Downtown Miami last Saturday January 21 2017, you would be met with a sea of poster boards spelling out frustration, hope, and activism with each glitter laden design, as unique as the right it stood for.
Make no mistake – the Women’s Rally of South Florida wasn’t simply about women versus Trump – it was about people versus adversity created by anything or anyone against human rights.
According to the Miamiherald, the rally focused on an array of causes built around human rights — included but not limited to women’s rights, immigrant rights, LGBT rights and environmental rights.
Like its sister rallies and the main Women’s March on Washington, the Miami rally was a feat of success in its numbers. More than 10,000 people of all ages and races who showed up, causing the Miami Dade fire marshals to close off the area early into the protest due to overwhelming crowds. Inside however, the resounding sentiment was one of peacefulness. Participants shared their stories, listened to speakers, cheered and drew strength and support from each other.
In short, the rally was a success. We know where we stand, but where do walk from here?
The same women whose battle cry to “Make America THINK Again.” Was met with unanimous cheers in opposition to Trump’s legislation is still threatened to lose access to basic healthcare because Republicans in Congress have vowed to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which has provided medical insurance to 20 million Americans.
The man who accompanied his young Muslim daughter to the march will still have to drop her off at school tomorrow and leave with the fear that she may be subject to a hate crime stemmed from another thoughtless rhetoric about the dangers of Islamic practices.
While the rallies did break history, we cannot be complacent with its success in a time where the recently elected POTUS attempts to disenfranchise the very purpose of this movement with a single tweet.
While experienced politicians and social justice activists like David Brock do their part to create a country they are proud to live in, we the children of immigrants, Muslims, Mexicans, single mothers, minorities that fill the seats of classrooms will not sit stagnant at this time in history.
Opportunities to continue pushing for the change you want to see can be found everywhere from online to on campus.
As the Women’s March Site praised the success of their efforts, a new campaign was launched. “10 Actions for the first 100 Days” calls participants to take action on an issue they care about every ten days. The first of these ten actions is writing a Postcard to a Senator. You can print one out here.
Events to take part in on Campus include “Diversity Strong Peaceful Protest” that takes place today, January 23, 2017 at 2pm – 4pm at Broward College North Campus at the front entrance. Like the rallies, this peaceful protest is a “Free Speech Zone” where you are safe and entitled to voice your opinion against the legitimization of hate.
Albert Einstein once said, “The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” We cannot ourselves become apathetic to issues that directly affect us or our fellow peers. The future belongs to those who change it.
Don’t stop now.