Three years ago, ignited after Donald Trump’s inauguration, the modern Women’s March was born. In the face of attacks on women’s bodies, rights, communities and planet, individuals across the globe mobilized. They march to further history and to send a message that the women’s movements of decades and centuries are still here.
Every year, we show our resilience and solidarity. I love seeing people come together and raise their voices about issues they are passionate about. In peace, optimism and some humor, people speak out about topics such as gender-based violence, gender and racial inequality, LGBTQIA rights, healthcare, environmental issues, mass incarceration, criminal justice reform and more.
There is often a misunderstanding that people who protest, organize or speak out against the government or an institution… hate it. I’ve lost count of the number of times people have told me to leave the country or give up. We do not march because we hate this country. I engage in community organizing and activism out of love for my country. We aren’t going anywhere. I have faith that the world can be better and will be better as young people grow up and future generations start to take leadership positions.
Jasmin Kaur, an author, illustrator and public educator, wrote one of my favorite poems:
scream
So that one day
a hundred years from now
another sister will not have to dry her tears
wondering
where in history
she lost her voice
I’d like to leave this with you, hoping that it inspires you as much as it inspires me. There are young, fearless girls with big dreams out there. They will change the world. But until she’s there, stand for her. Be unapologetic. Stay resilient.
Here are some of my favorite signs from the Chicago 2020 Women’s March, which took place on Jan. 18.
#1. “I March ‘Cause This Shit Is Crazy”
#2. “I gave you permission to buy me a drink. Not to rape me. Being drunk is not a crime. Rape is.”
#4. “Men of quality don’t fear equality”
#5. Fearless girl in Chicago
#7. “Girls Just Wanna Have Fundamental Rights”
#8. “100 years strong. League of Women Voters. 1920 – 2020”
#9. “You get equal rights. You get equal rights. We all get equal rights”.
#10. “Boys will be held accountable for their actions”
#11. “It’s time 2 ovary-act”
#12. “I’m tough, ambitious, and know exactly what I want. If that makes me a b*tch, okay. – Madonna”
#13. “If you don’t fight for all women you fight for no women.”
#14. “Viagra is government funded. If pregnancy is “god’s will”, then so is limp dick. Keep your rosaries off my ovaries. #Choice” & “I won’t be quiet so you can be comfortable. A womxn’s place is in the resistance”
#16. “Ecocide is genocide”
#17. “Black kids are 10 times more likely to die from asthma than white kids! But y’all aren’t ready to have that convo”
#18. “Not only koalas will burn”
#19. “End white male supremacy”
#20. “We can end gun violence”
#21. “Okay ladies, now let’s get in formation!”
#22. “I can’t believe we still have to do this!”
#23. “Stand with planned parenthood! Stand with immigrants”
#24. “Feminist I Am”
#25. “Mind your own uterus”
#26. “Senators obey your oaths”
#27. “Hatred disguised as policy is still hatred”
#28. “Sisters Not Cisters”
#29. “Regulate guns more than my uterus” & “Abortion never an easy choice. Sometimes the best choice. Always a woman’s choice.”
#30. “If I wanted the government in my uterus, I’d fuck a senator”
