The Women’s March in 2017 became the largest single-day protest in American history, so citizens all over the country recreated the incredible event in 2018. The kickoff march was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, in honor of the Vegas shooting victims, but there were 250 marches all over the country. Large marches were in D.C. and NYC, but one of the cities was Philadelphia, where Elizabethtown College partnered to send students on January 20. College students boarded a bus with posters, pussy hats, and the right state of mind to stand up for the rights of women and equality in America. This year’s theme was “Power to the Polls”, and focused on the Trump Administration’s effect on feminism. I want everyone who didn’t get the chance to join the march to read this and understand what it is like to be in such a positive crowd standing up with strong conviction. Here’s E-town’s reaction to the Women’s March.
Pleasant Sprinkle Williams
“The march was [an] amazing wave of strong individuals who stand for a common goal: equality for all. Being there was refreshing and eye opening because I saw many walks of life. There were mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, straight and LGBTQ+ couples, interracial and interfaith couplings, and so many more! I went there with an open mind and my signs and when I left, I left with an empowered heart and a future that I could see in the distance, I just need to shape it. I went because I really enjoy advocacy and hearing other’s stories, and when I couldn’t attend the march last year, I made a promise to go for sure this year.”
Caitlin Olivias
“I would describe the march as a true representation of a democracy. The march was created a year ago as a way to voice the concerns about what the current administration is doing. It is an empowerment movement that brings women from all religions, races and backgrounds together. I brought with me my ID, sunglasses, inhaler, my pussy hat, and a sign that says “silence will not protect you”. I went this to march because I went to the women’s march in DC to support women of all walks of life. I went because my voice deserves to be heard but just as much as I am affected by the injustice of unequal pay, limited birth control, abortion and so many other things, I come from a place of privilege. I wanted to… help set a foundation for other groups to be heard. I want to support them more than ever on their fight for equality. I support placing women in positions of power, especially in the house and Senate. Most importantly I truly believe that injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. Times up and we are ready to fight for women of color, women in the LGBTQ community, disabled women, women of Muslim faith, etc. We are not going to be silenced. Not now, not ever. It made me feel inspired, strong, vulnerable and humbled. I was surrounded by men and women who all believe in the America we want to see. I felt honored to be there and I felt empowered to keep fighting and to never give up hope. We owe it to the women before us to keep fighting and I will always fight to move forward.”
Rider Brandau
“Describing the march: The march was a large event intended to protest the actions of federal and state governments that we see as having ignored women’s voices, and to advocate for the expansion of the meaning of the word “woman” in activist circles. I brought a transgender flag which I wore as a cape to show support for the transgender community (which, I was pleasantly surprised, was well-represented at the march), and wore my Martin O’Malley for President sweatshirt to promote a candidate that I think best reflects the spirit of the march — inclusivity and justice. The march prompted reflection on the meanings of democracy, Americanism, and sociopolitical union more broadly. America is a negative idea, defined by what it is not more than what it is. Racism, sexism, and all forms of discrimination are additive — they require effort and action to implement. Americanism is a state of being, discrimination is a decision. I felt more American in that reflection than I did watching President Trump speak from the front row at CPAC last year, because I was taking part in something active for good, something more American than listening to a speech by some empty-suited figurehead. I was troubled by the amount of Oprah Winfrey for President memorabilia. Oprah for Governor first, come on. I went because I needed my faith in democracy restored after the past few election cycles. Paul Ryan should not be Speaker of the House. Mitch McConnell should not be the Senate Majority Leader. Bernie Sanders should not have been the one to carry the anti establishment left’s banner in 2016. I wouldn’t say I feel entirely convinced that American democracy is in a good place, but there was too much energy out there for it to be dying. American politics needs time, but the march was a welcome reminder of the progress that we can and will someday make.”
Delaney Dammeyer
“The women’s march was incredible because it really confirmed my place in this movement. I was connected to so many passionate people who were working on creating a better world for the people around them. Everywhere you turned you made a friend. There was a lot of “I like your hat” or “that’s a great sign” type of chatter. We also got into bigger conversation. At the rally, women of very different backgrounds came together and preached for the same thing; acceptance and support of diversity.”
Steph Diaz, Elizabethtown College Staff Member
“I attended the women’s march last year and remembered feeling so empowered that I wanted to go again this year. This year was totally different, however, because we were able to take a bus full of students. These marches are all about being in community and building solidarity with other women. These marches provide a safe space for those who have been marginalized to finally have their voices heard. Coming back from the march I feel a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to the fight for equality.”