This year, the day after Trump’s inauguration, millions marched all around the world. The March made history (and hopefully) sent a clear message to Trump and the White House that millions will not be silenced.
Many Hermanas joined the march all over the country, and here are their thoughts:
What was your main motivation to March?
Karina P. Marched in NYC
I’ve always been a supporter peaceful protests and political demonstrations; something
about being surrounded by a large group of people united by a common cause is absolutely inspirational to me. It forces everyone around you to stop, think, and question everything. I started to become an activist during my high school years as I attended Black Lives Matter protests and learned more about police brutality and mass incarceration. Since then, I fell in love with the kind of activism that feels tangible and demands attention. For this reason, it was no surprise that I found myself attending the Women’s March on NYC following the inauguration.
Liliana C. Marched in Washington, D.C.
I am a big proponent of community organizing, protesting, civil disobedience has ways to create change. I have been involved in different movements such as immigration reform, black lives matter, education reform, etc. for awhile and I wanted to make sure that with such a huge march that I was there to represent my voice and community. I wanted to also see the unity and learn from the march. My community and also my identity of being a women of color has motivated me to always seek for change and progress and this election didn’t change that inner passion. I also wanted to see the Latino/a/Latinx presence in hopes that it would help us unite since we have great division due to racism, chauvinism, and class-ism in our community.
Maria L. Marched in Washington, D.C.
I was motivated by my peers in law school and also I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. I am a student attorney for Catholic Charities and I deal with people fleeing from their home countries on a daily basis and my clients are currently very scared. I wanted to represent my clients and wanted to be their voices. I also believe in peaceful protest and I knew that with a march this would signal to the world that we are unhappy. Whether you are a women, a colored person, etc. we are simply unhappy. I am very aware of the injustices in this country and how people bypass them, and how others feel marginalized people are “over reacting” and I wanted to march to show everyone that there is a real problem in this country that needs to be address.
Did you feel that this march was inclusive to Women of Color?
Naima D. Marched in Washington, D.C.
What I liked most about the march was the diversity in the group present. There were women and men of all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and races. The sense of unity there was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. it’s amazing what we can accomplish when we come together.
Liane D. Marched in Washington, D.C. 
I truly appreciate the work the organizers did to keep the event as inclusive as possible, especially from the choice of speakers. Majority of the crowd was definitely white women, but it was nice to hear white people cheering for Immigration Rights and Black Lives Matter. I’ve never seen that in my lifetime and it makes me feel hopeful for the future. My favorite speech was definitely California Senator Kamala Harris, “I was always asked ‘talk to us about women’s issues’ and I’d look at them and say great, let’s talk about the economy.” I thought her perspective hit home, because I firmly believe that neglecting the rights of a “minority” actually is horrible for the prosperity of the country as a whole. I specialize in healthcare, and I absolutely hate the idea of limiting family planning options/awareness/education. It’s been proven family planning decreases both poverty and crime. Last time I checked, poverty and crime aren’t just a “women’s issue”.
Karina P. Marched in NYC
The Women’s March was inclusive to women of color to a certain extent; some argue that the march ended up being more of a demonstration of white feminism, and I experienced something similar. I was expecting to see a lot more intersectionality. That being said, I acknowledge that some women of color may not have felt safe at such a large demonstration, or find other modes of activism to work best for them.
What message were you happy to hear at the March?
Lydia Alfonso, Marched in Washington, D.C.
I was really surprised to hear from a woman that was an ex-convict for 27 years. It was really interesting to hear what women’s rights looks like while convicted and in prison, it’s something you don’t hear about.
Maria L. Marched in Washington, D.C.
Any disappointments?
Liliana C. Marched in Washington, D.C.
I think it got lost sometimes on people the point of being there. That is wasn’t just a photo shoot. I have to admit that sometimes I was getting tired since I couldn’t hear but I had to check myself and remind myself why I was there. I think logistically the march would have been better if more sound speakers were installed throughout the rally. It was hard to hear the speakers and music sometimes and I really wanted to hear what everyone was saying. I also did think it was a little disappointing that some people were more worried about marching then actually listening to the rally and learning from what was happening. I think it got lost sometimes on people the point of being there. That is wasn’t just a photo shoot. I have to admit that sometimes I was getting tired since I couldn’t hear but I had to check myself and remind myself why I was there.Karina P. Marched in NYC
For the first few minutes when we were at the protest, I thought the Women’s March was a silent protest because no one was chanting. After a while, I started to lead chants myself, but they often died down quickly. I was disappointed that chants like “Love trumps hate” or “Pussy grabs back” were louder than “Muslim lives matter” or “Trans lives matter.” I was disappointed that so many white women were present, a demographic that made up a significant percentage of the vote for our current President.
What did your signs say?
Liliana C. Marched in Washington, D.C.
RESPECT WOMEN OF COLOR
NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL
Lydia A. Marched in Washington, D.C.
HELL NO, HE’S NOT MY PRESIDENT. GO ON, CALL ME NASTY, I’M PROUD OF IT.
Karen S. Marched in Washington, D.C.
NUESTRO LABOR MANTIENE LA ECONOMÍA DEL MUNDO
LONG LIVE OUR 4 BILLON YEAR-OLD MOTHER
Naima D. Marched in Washington, D.C.
PEOPLE AND PLANETS NOT PIPELINES AND PRISONS
Liane D. Marched in Washington, D.C
MY BODY. MY CHOICE.
Support the Women’s March by going to https://www.womensmarch.com/
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