My best friend and I got off of the Metro at 11:00 am in Pershing Square in Downtown LA to see thousands of other people fighting for social justice.
At the Women’s March 2019, we felt not only full of hope, but full of empowerment. My best friend and I met up with six more of our friends and walked up five blocks, only to march back down them. When we walked up the streets, we took the time to read signs, admire, and bask in all the glory of the people who were marching the other way. And when we marched down, the world did the same.
We listened to people yell and, when it was our time, we took the liberty to do the same thing simply because we refuse to stay quiet. Our voices needed to be heard.
When the larger groups with voice amplifiers in all different sorts quieted out, we took it upon ourselves to start yelling our own chants.
The Women’s March gave us, the people, an outlet to feel supported and surrounded by individuals we had never met. Yet, we felt so connected with these people, a bond many couldn’t make in a lifetime. After chanting “My Body, My Choice” and being met with numerous other voices, some of my friends and some kind strangers yelled back “Her Body, Her Choice.” A woman yelled to me and my friends, “Thank you for your energy!” I knew we had the power to change the world if we put our minds to it; I was reminded of all the endless opportunity out there.
The Women’s March introduced us to people we never have met and likely will never meet again who empower us. Even though I didn’t know them, I can assure you the people there were some of the strongest, most passionate people I had ever seen.
People of every color, gender, and sexuality came together to “fight bigotry and discrimination in all their forms.” Because of them, I have not only hope, but incentive for my friends and I to be the ones who change the world and get things done the way we want them.