2018 Women's March
Jan. 20-21, 2018 marked the one year anniversary of the 2017 Women’s March that garnered the support of millions across the globe. This year, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in cities across the nation to participate in this reprise march. Sister rallies, known as the Impeachment Marches, also gathered under similar goals but with an overall intention of impeaching Trump. However, the names of these marches should not be the center of attention. Rather we should be focusing on what they are pushing for: political and social change. The fact that so many protesters once again gathered—a year after the initial march—shows that there is still work to be done and that some Americans want to impeach the current president, and rightfully so.
This weekend, a myriad of protesters consolidated, bearing colorful signs, pink hats and pins that showcased what they were marching for. These protesters united for the same causes as last year: immigration, healthcare, women’s rights, the impeachment of the President and the improvement of race relations. The solidarity at the marches in major cities like New York, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles demonstrated just how passionate people are about these topics. However, new movements also arose since the last march, including the #MeToo movement, Time’s Up and Power to the Polls.
These protesters united for the same causes as last year: immigration, healthcare, women’s rights, the impeachment of the President and the improvement of race relations.
Power to the Polls aims to increase voter participation in all elections and encourages more women to advocate for women’s rights and run for office. This organization is now more essential than ever. We learned last year the consequences of absent voters in elections and the subsequent rise of representatives whose goals don’t align with fundamental rights of all communities.
Often, participants of marches and protests only go as far as decorating posters and going out to march one day a year. However, it is time for “activists” to be more involved throughout the year. As feminists and human beings, it is important to learn about the struggles of minorities and protest on behalf of other communities. People who participate in the Women’s March need to also attend BLM protests and LGBTQIA+ rallies, becoming allies for other marginalized groups.
It is one thing to say that you stand in solidarity with other communities and support their struggles. It is another thing to actually show up for these communities and attend marches that may not relate to your own community but that mean a lot for others. This year will hopefully bring more activists to participate in marches and push for tangible changes in our nation.
The various marches that took place last weekend aimed to mobilize protesters and push for resistance and solidarity among many communities. We need to keep this momentum and use it to achieve change. We must channel all the solidarity and energy of participants in the 2018 Women’s March and harness their power to form concrete wins this year. One way we can do this is what Power to the Polls aims to do; we need to advocate for and support policies and candidates that reflect our values.
Although we have seen more women and representation of marginalized groups win recent elections, there is still much more to be done. As activists and community leaders, those who attended the marches on Jan. 21, 2018 need to continue to push for change. We need to make sure that there is no room for homophobia, racism, fascism, sexism and hate of any kind. This is a huge task but an important one for the betterment of this nation. Our fight shouldn’t end after attending one march a year and calling ourselves activists. We need to continously educate ourselves and others about the systematic oppressions and struggles that other communities face and show up for them. We need to continue having discussions and being intersectional, not just focusing on one group. The Women’s March is a great first step, but there are many more that need to be taken this year.