Sunday Six: Favorite Protest Moments from Inauguration Weekend
Last night, I went to a benefit concert for Planned Parenthood at Gallery 5 in Richmond, VA. Local bands got on stage and did their thing like they do here in the River City. Something more was happening, though. The lead singer Joey Cook told the story of she and her husband marching on Washington earlier that day. She said she came away knowing one thing: “We outnumber them.”
Other bands shared protest songs and I talked with people throughout the night including the writer of this article. Throughout the weekend, I have been devouring stories, photos, live videos, and articles to get a full sense of what went down and what hope there is. I’ve had chills on and off all day. The power of people coming together is very real.
I understand that as an influencer and writer, I have a responsibility to share what I think is important. Frankly, I think this shit is important. I am not going to play reporter and detail everything that has and will transpire. I am not going to break down the legislations and laws that are at risk. I’ll leave that to the reporters.
I will, however, write that I believe this election has helped shine light on a very real battle of good and evil happening right now. It’s at risk of spilling over into something much worse. The protests that occurred around the world were about much more than abortion, immigration, or one man. They were about people who take advantage of other people for the sake of greed, power, and sex. It was about ignorance and closemindedness that harm our fellow humans.
While I’m not so sure Donald Trump is truly as evil as the media has made him, I do know that the hatred he has inspired is evil. Here is one micro example: I follow a blogger from Washington, DC. She is sweet, smart, and inspiring. Yesterday, she shared a story on Twitter about a man dumping his drink on her head in a bar when she said she didn’t support Trump.
We are all at risk of experiencing hate of this kind. We are also at risk of losing things that are important to us. That doesn’t change the fact that we are still free and that hope is something we can all claim ownership of. As a favorite female writer wrote:
“Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.” – Virginia Woolf
I am compelled to share with my readers and followers just what happened this weekend and just how big it really was. Here are some my favorite moments that inspired me:
Ashley Judd’s Anti-Trump Rap
Ashley touches on the embarrassment of having period stains on your bed sheets, to the electoral college, to acknowledging your own privilege. If you want some tingles, take time to watch this powerful prose. Watch it now.
Pictures from Women’s Marches All Over the World
I had no idea how big the movement was until I saw this. The sheer numbers of positive and peaceful protests from countries near and far is absolutely breathtaking. I had wrongly assumed so many other countries had written us off over here. Glad I was wrong. View all the photos here.
Protest Signs that Channel Princess Leia
As a life-long Star Wars fan, the Rebel Alliance is a symbol of protest I can get with. Especially in light of the actress’s recent death, I think these Princess Leia signs can ignite anyone’s imagination. Anything is possible. See more here.
People Who Marched in Style
Because I think fashion is the most basic form of self expression, I was digging this feature on fashion at marches around the world. I’m definitely interested in adding a statement graphic t-shirt to my wardrobe now. Basically all my graphic t-shirts are Star Wars related, so be prepared. See more fashion here.
Aziz Ansari on SNL
“Yesterday, Trump was inaugurated,” Mr. Ansari said. “Today, an entire gender protested against him.”
Enough said. Watch it here.
My Friends Photos
I am so grateful that so many of my friends and contacts took part. From their live video feeds to their stellar Instagram shots, I felt the energy and learned a lot about what was really going on. Whatever they believe in, I am in awe of their passion and will power. So, THANK YOU!
Want to make a difference? I wrote this article after the election.
Have any memories or links to share? Tell me in the comments!
