Let Love Groves: Why We March

Emily and I volunteered to stand with the SARA (Sexual Assault Resource Agency, where I work) table. It was so inspiring to meet people from all around the area who shared their stories and support with us and our cause.

This is a post about why we march. Why we chose to spend our Saturday at march for women and all people. Why we are doing everything we can to unite our country towards progress through compassion and empathy. As with any new president, I hope that they find success in leading our country; I will give them my hope. But I will also make sure that those they are leading are heard, and that "We the People" is never threatened.

This adorable rockstar was standing on tables proudly displaying his sign all day long. He made it himself. I snapped his picture with his (and his mom's) permission.

One of my favorite attractions at Walt Disney World tells the story of the United States of America. At one point, as the film leads up to describing our country at the dawn of the Civil War, says "'We the People' didn't yet mean all the people." Obviously, in this context, we are referring to people who were enslaved. I do not wish to take any focus, respect, or attention from this time in our history. I am choosing this phrase because still it is 2017 and "We the People" doesn't yet mean all the people.

This is why we march.

We have come away from where our country sat at the time of the Civil War, but we still have a long way to go. Donald Trump said in his inauguration speech that "we all share the same freedoms." While he was right on his points that "we all bleed the same red blood" and share the same flag, I strongly disagree with his argument that all people share the same freedoms.

On Saturday, January 21, 2017, people all over the country and the world stood up for women. The Women's March on Washington has grown to a global phenomenon designed to "[build] and [empower] a persistent global network that will organize future campaigns and actions in support of progressive values including women's rights" (https://www.womensmarch.com/global/). Emily and I participated in an official sister event here in Charlottesville, and we will continue to participate in making our voices and the voices of everyone heard.

I am standing up and marching for "We the People," to recognize, acknowledge, and honor that we are all people. No matter your experiences, your identity, or your intersectionality. We are all people.

Emily and I talk about this every day with endless conversations to check ourselves in our privilege and efforts to embrace all people. We fearlessly love each other and everyone for being who they are. We joined this march to perpetuate this kind of love and fearlessness for all. So that no one will be considered "other" and treated or given less because of that. We want to live in a world where fearlessly loving is not an option, but the norm.

"Restless one in a world of change
Keeping dreams aloft in the rain...
Spirit free, you must keep flying now
Reaching to touch the sky...
America, you must keep dreaming now
Dreaming the promised vow of your pioneers
America, keep on flying now
Keep your spirit free
Facing new frontiers...
Great bird, with your golden dreams
Flying high"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Kvc2TxwKc

It's ok, let it make you misty eyed. Gets me every time.

The mini-march in full swing.

People rallying near the stage. There were several musicians and choirs, as well as religious leaders leading the crowd in scripture, song, prayer, and rally cries.

Stronger Together.

The guidelines for the rally and march. This was an event open to everyone and anyone, no matter belief or political affiliation. This was an event to stand together in peaceful solidarity with women and people all over the world.