Reflection on monumental Women’s March

The Women’s March was, in one word, liberating.

An opportunity to be one of millions marching in support of women of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and women with disabilities was truly inspiring and created a sense of unity that has spread not just nationwide, but worldwide. All seven continents–yes, Antarctica as well–joined forces in resisting the current president of the United States. According to the official Women’s March website, an estimated 4.95 million people attended at least one of the 673 marches taking place on January 21 across the world.

Although I wish I could have stopped by each and every march location, I was extremely lucky to join the tens of thousands in San Francisco, a sanctuary city that is regarded as an extremely accepting and welcoming community. The march began at Civic Center and moved down Market Street all the way to Justin Herman Plaza, surrounded by the sounds of lively chants mixed together with intense rain. Even though this worldwide event was dedicated to women’s rights, it also stood as a symbol of solidarity and unity for all human rights. For those few hours, we were not labels–we were not cisgender or transgender, white or black, Christian or agnostic, male or female, child or adult, we were simply people standing up for other people.

I was not the only member of Northgate to take part in this historic event. Students including seniors PJ Gaughan, Seema Khatcherian, Estelle Yim, and Doreen Hemati all attended marches across the country as well as teachers Patti Kjonaas and Scott Harris. An in-depth look at the Women’s March and those who took part in it can also be found online and in the February school paper.

Not yet one full month into this presidency, executive and legislative decisions have already left a dark, disgusting mark on history. From imposing an executive order banning a handful of Muslim-majority countries from entering the country, appointing a Secretary of Education who has no interest in improving public schools, and silencing Senator Walker while she attempted to recite a note from Martin Luther King Jr.’s wife, this presidency has already made a serious crack in the foundation of America’s values.

Nevertheless, I believe that some good can and will come from the opposition uniting: through an ironic turn of events, the deep disgust and frustration people are feeling all over the world has become the common thread that brings us together to fight.

In light of shocking executive orders and public statements made by the White House, I have come to understand the importance of joining together and supporting one another. There is no way to justify what happened during the 2016 election and as much as we wish, we cannot go back in time and change the results; however, we can work from here on out to make sure that any person beaten down because of their gender, skin color, origin, or religion will be lent a helping hand.

Now is not the time to shy away from protest or activism for fear we will be persecuted or harassed, nor is it the time to think that one voice won’t make a difference; now is the time to stand up for the people who are in current danger. Rather than letting these next four years serve as a dividing force, we must overpower that force and come together in support of all of our brothers and sisters.