GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN{DAMENTAL RIGHTS}

There is absolutely no denying the need for political participation in the USA, as of three days ago {though being complacent about involvement got us into this mess in the first place}. Whether you believe in our newly elected president, or not, there are many rights being threatened that affect our entire nation’s population.

I am not one to ramble on and on about my political views, at least on the internet. I choose to make my voice heard in a more physical way. For example, marching this weekend at the Women’s March on Washington. And yes, my beautiful people, I managed to march in Washington, D.C. itself!

This was my first time to the District of Columbia, and what a way to experience it as a newbie. I was lucky enough to be invited to the march by my Aunt, who then introduced me to the other fabulous women joining us. We were five in total and within the weekend we made it to New Jersey, Maryland, and then D.C. Trains, buses, and automobiles were the forms of transportation, making the journey a long one {but worth every minute of the 3 AM wake up, the unprofessional bus driver full of rage, and our ninja skills to make an earlier trip home}.

Participating in this march was one of the proudest moments in my life. Individually, and collectively as a country. There were hundreds of thousands of women and men, of every ethnicity and background, gathered together to stand up for basic human rights. As they say, history has a way of repeating itself. And unfortunately, it feels as though this is happening right in front of our eyes.

This march had much less to do about protesting our current president, and more so to do with standing up for principals and morals that have a significant effect on most of the people in this country. And countries around the world! This march was extremely important because it showcased the entire world coming together in order to support women’s rights {which in case you forgot, are human rights, because *hint hint* women are humans too}.

I couldn’t believe how many people crowded the streets of Washington on Saturday. To be honest, I don’t think the organizers of the march could believe it either. People involved in multiple civil rights marches in the past were convinced they had never seen anything like it before.  It was double the turnout expected. But as they say, nasty women get shit done. And we proved that this weekend.

I must hand it to all the men that participated this weekend as well. Not that I shouldn’t expect it. But sadly, it has to be recognized and applauded these days. The men in the crowds were just as supportive and passionate as the women. “Her body, her choice!” followed by “My body, my choice!” rang throughout the city. This is unity, people. This is democracy.

Amongst all the seriousness happening on Saturday, the ladies came out swinging with the signage. I mean, the creativity and humor involved with some of these posters had me laughing out loud. All the tiny hands references, the over comb jokes, and a personal favorite: “IVANKA BUG$ ME”, were enough of a show to keep us entertained all afternoon. If the head of your marketing department is not lead by a women, you are making a mistake, Sir.

Overall this was an experience that I will never forget. And we are not at liberty to forget. We must continue to stay active and involved. In two years we have the opportunity to change the way politics creates policy. Two measly {but undeniably long} years. Start by finding out the 10 actions you can participate in, in the next 100 days here.

And to sign out {quite literally}…

WE SHALL OVERCOMB!

4 Replies to “GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN{DAMENTAL RIGHTS}”

  1. Rachel – it was a privilege to share this experience with you. You captured the spirit of the day beautifully with your words and photography. Here’s to staying engaged and continuing to make our voices heard.

    Joi

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