Women's March On Washington: Miami Solidarity
Unless you've been living under a rock (or watching Fox news) you know that on January 21st 5 million people across the world joined forces with the estimated 1 million attendees of the Women's March on Washington to protest against, well...a lot of things.
This march started as a way for women to show the world that women's rights are human rights, but it turned into a protest of an array of problematic affairs-the most obvious being the inauguration of Trump. I won't get into the specifics of every distasteful statement the living Cheeto has made because I'm sure that you know them all, but needless to say, this protest safeguarded the mental stability of millions of Americans. As much as I would've loved to be present at the main march in D.C, I attended the sister march in my city of Miami instead, and let me tell ya-I felt the vibes!
The badass femme energy was cranked up to the max and it was impossible for any bystander to ignore!
I made it a top priority to show up at the rally because quite frankly, I needed to infuse my soul with hope. Taking into account that the only way to get it is through true interaction and not social media, I knew where I needed to be. More importantly, I knew that if I really wanted to be a beacon of change, online activism was no longer going to cut it. I needed to show my face and declare my solidarity IRL.
The assumption that I'd find myself surrounded by open-minded individuals just as eager to oppose what's currently unfolding on the world stage was 100% correct: After my tenth interview it quickly became clear that we were all there for the same reason- we were denouncing hatred.
All of it (I hope).
While I can't transcribe the feelings I had when I was present, I hope that the images below give you a taste of the overwhelming sentiment found in Miami, and in this country. Prior to this experience, I was truly downtrodden, but if there was any one message I was meant to take away from this experience it's that the power always lies with the people. Despite what is broadcasted or said by the Trump administration I now know for a fact most people are not here for the shit.
Millennials, I know you know, but this is literally our time to make history in a positive way. Our livelihood and the quality of life of our unborn children completely depend on our courage to stand up against anything that encroaches on our right to live a free, safe, and loving life. I obviously cannot force anyone to become active in helping alter the course of our nation, but I will say this.
Our potential has been tapped in ways never imagined but the transformation we're going to bring about in the upcoming years will be unlike anything ever seen before.
When everything's said and done you will have to live with yourself knowing the truth on whether or not you were complicit in Trumps attempt to thwart American progress. Now, let me be clear. I have not the slightest doubt that love and empathy will win this battle (like, seriously...we've got this in the bag). But, on an individual note, I know that in 4 years and forever after I'll be able to sleep at night knowing that I'll tell my kids I participated in the movement for change. I'll be proud af, and so will they, but for those planning on hiding behind the fearlessness of others you've got another thing comin'.
Our potential has been tapped in ways never imagined but the transformation we're going to bring about in the upcoming years will be unlike anything ever seen before.
I have infinite hope in our power.
