I went to Washington D.C. with a group of ladies. Some I’ve known, some I met for the first time on November 12, 2016, as we took to the streets of New York to protest the election of Donald Trump. Marching that weekend didn’t feel so much like a decision as a necessity. It was the first moment of catharsis I’d had since that fateful Tuesday.

Marching on Washington this weekend felt very much the same way. I’m not sure I ever really made the decision whether or not to go. I simply asked, “who is going with me?” As luck would have it, seems we were all headed to D.C.

Since November, I’ve been asked often why I’m marching. I find the question difficult to answer – not because I can’t think of a reason, but because I simply have so many I’m not sure where to start. This inability to put into words something that weighs on me so heavily, sparked a desire to discover why exactly everyone else was marching.

So, I thought I would go to D.C. not simply as a citizen, but as a journalist. I fully intended to cover the march, take pictures, interview folks, and do a full write up. As we arrived though, it became clear this thing was bigger than we’d ever imagined. The introvert in me was overwhelmed, so I took out a notebook, wrote “Why I March” on the front, and began to pass it around to those standing near me in the crowd.

Truth be told, after about 11am, even that became too much and I decided to set down all thoughts of being a journalist, and just became a full participant, taking in the whole, overwhelming experience.

What I’ve included below is a collection of the responses written in the notebook (most unsigned by their authors), and what I managed to (poorly) capture in photo. I hope it gives at least a slight glimpse into what this weekend meant for us all.

 

Why I March…

“I march for all women…even those who don’t yet realize they need to.” – Janis

“For the sane hearts that need support in times of bigotry, racism, misogyny and apathy.”

“I march to put those in power on notice – we will RESIST!”

 

“I march to DEFEAT TYRANNY!”

“For equality for all.”

 

“I march to defeat Donald Trump and raise consciousness of equality.”

 

“I march to preserve everything I’ve worked a lifetime for.” – Marie

“Because we reached a crossroads – some push us back to the past, but we must go forward! Free.” – MA

“I march for EQUAL rights…for us to continue moving forward not back to the ‘old’ white man’s ways. This is my country – I will not go quietly into the hate. Love is the answer.”

“I march to show my 3 sons it’s time to make a difference and promote love and equality for all.”

“I march for LOVE!”

” I march for my daughters, so they will know the power of their voice.”

“I march for a better future for my son.”

” MY BODY = MY CHOICE”

“For civil rights.”

“I march because peaceful and thoughtful resistance and love are a woman’s work. It’s a woman’s duty.”

“To celebrate human rights and make a better world (nation USA) for our children.”

“For the dignity of ALL people, human rights, BLM, LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, etc.”

“For every child because whether they have cancer, looking for a better life, or need to love each other, my son will be taught to be accepting of everyone.”

“I march for my niece, for my friends’ daughters. So disappointed that this man is now President. I could not just sit back. RESIST!”

“I march for human rights, for Mother Earth, for my daughter and my grandkids.”

“I am a snowflake, but WE are an avalanche.” – Bill, Kate & Sidney

” I march for what is right – for the voices that need to be heard – for my nieces, so that they know they are loved, supported and strong. I march for LOVE!!”

“I march today in support of: Women’s Rights, Reproductive Rights, Immigrant Rights, and…AN END TO TYRANNICAL RULE!” – Joy

“I march to stand up for all…to be counted.” – Ron

“I march for my Muslim family – my interracial, interfaith, bicultural daughters with differing abilities but the same forceful potential to achieve their dreams.”

“I march to stand with the other loving, open, smart Americans, who are the majority! And to demonstrate the strength of women! We are stronger than Trump!”