Stay Woke: 15 Women and Men on Why They Marched in the Women’s March

“There is a force, swelling, unrelenting and focused on bellowing ‘NO MORE’ … “

Suroor Raheemullah: We were in D.C. With 55 people from Muslim Womens Alliance. Feeling like a celebrity- literally every person we saw told us they loved us, they are with us and then thanked us for being there with them and showing up! The reason we went is because we have to first show up to stand up. The goodwill that was created with our unapologetically Muslim women signs is unsurpassed.

Tom Oates: The shared drive – in many cases literally – and passion of millions. Despite a forceful climate that can turn our differences into divisions, this tidal movement chose to unite globally in open hands with a commitment to a call both personal and far greater than any individual. This gave me hope in knowing there is a force; swelling, unrelenting and focused on bellowing ‘NO MORE!’ and willing to take the steps – in many cases literally – to pull an unequal system to account.

So what’s next? Volunteering to help teach and guide at my alma matter’s College of Journalism, being more vocal with my professional peers about recognizing the micro-behaviors the plant insecurity and distrust among co-workers, and letting the voices from today echo in my mind.

Next: An Uplifting Day