Imagine the tales you’d tell if you spoke with someone from each of the Women’s March protests from around the world. So many motivations. So many emotions. So many old friends and new connections. In my case the city was Minnesota’s capital of St. Paul, the crowd neared 100 thousand, and I arrived alone.
Like many of you, I had my own reasons for attending what turned out to be the largest gathering I’ve ever witnessed. You, too, may be wondering how to process your anger over having a president who brags about assaulting women, or your fears about a cabinet that appears ready to remove civic rights.
If you want to find your voice, one of the best ways to do so is to find your people. And so I write this post, not tell you why I marched, but to urge you find your own why. Then, do what it takes to get out of your house and connect with others. This is my story of arriving to a march as one individual, but leaving with connection and support.
Two hours before the march, I posted this on Facebook, asking friends if they wanted to meet up. It was a nice try, but by that time everybody was already en route. And I know this isn’t a pink pussyhat, but I liked its twist on the theme.
It began three days earlier, near the end of a busy week. “Holy crap,” I thought, “I can’t believe the inauguration’s actually happening soon.” I’d planned to attend my local Women’s March–along with a huge percentage of my friends and family–but had been too buried in work to make actual plans.
Flustered, I scanned Twitter for details. It was then that I discovered the Pussyhat Project and went straight to Etsy for a crafty version of my own. (Kimberly of NovaKnowledge in Pennsylvania soon earned my lifelong fondness for her creative genius and fast shipping!)
Yep.
By the morning of the march, the best I’d scraped together was the vague intent of a previous co-worker. She’d be organizing a group at the college where the march began, but this was hardly specific enough to find her. So, I decided to wing it. My mild unease was trounced by optimism: “If I can’t make a friend out from thousands of like-minded people, something’s wrong, anyway!”
I spent way too long strategizing the proper layers for the 35-degree weather, then headed to St. Paul. Five hours later, after the rally, as I walked the two miles back to where I’d parked, I was filled with joy. “I’m so glad I came alone,” I thought to myself. “Think of what I’d have missed otherwise!” And it’s true. See what happened, then let me know if you agree.
Spoiler alert: I made new friends while walking from my car to the march. We stood in this parking lot for more than an hour, waiting to begin.
As I looked for parking, the neighborhood streets were packed. Cars and people were coming from all directions. I’d expected as much, so I’d come prepared to walk. I had my hiking boots on, and I’d jammed my tiny purse full of protein bars. I began walking on one side of the street, but after a few minutes decided to cross to the other. Looking back, it was one of those snap decisions that changed the course of my day–not to mention the future of my friendships.
I ended up behind a group of four, who–let’s be honest–were walking a little slow for my taste. A perennially-late type, I have the habit of walking briskly everywhere I go. My instinct was to plow ahead of them, but something held me back. Before long we started to chat. A subtle shift happened about 10 minutes in. Though nobody verbalized it, somehow we’d come to an understanding: Either I’d adopted the group, or they’d adopted me. Instead of a four plus one, we’d become a party of five.
I approached a stranger to get this shot. Can you believe her thoughtfulness and talent?
Eventually we neared the college parking lot and heard the roar of an undoubtedly large crowd. I experienced a jolt of pride when we crested the hill and its magnitude was revealed. While I surveyed the scene, I received a tap on the shoulder. One of my new friends handed me a sign and said, “Here take this. I made an extra.” In my hasty non-prep mode, I’d dreamed such a thing might happen, but having it actually occur was more touching than I could’ve imagined.
Once the march started I had more opportunities to marvel at the size of the gathering. The night before I’d seen on Facebook that 27 thousand committed to come. I was worried people would flake, so I was thrilled to see we’d crushed that number. My crew couldn’t sense where we were in the lineup, till we turned a corner and saw hoards of folks crossing the bridge toward the state capitol. At this point we deduced we were about the middle of the pack.
Trust me when I tell you a crowd of 100 thousand is a lot of people.
We passed by the state history center and soon reached the capitol. We could hear speeches and cheering, but it took awhile to figure out where the speakers were positioned. I finally spotted a navy awning in the distance. It was inspiring to hear the leaders’ enthusiasm, but I was content to simply look around. Spotting clever signs and a multitude of pink hats was just as exhilarating for me.
Once we found a spot to stand, I began to scope out photo ops. There was plenty of good content, and every person I approached was happy to participate. At one point, while crouching down to compose a shot, I got another tap on the shoulder. I turned to see a woman in a white pom-pommed hat. “I saw that photo you just took,” she said. “What are the chances you could send it to me? My phone just died.”
As it turns out, my new ally in photography and feminism was Julie Stewart-Binks, sports reporter and all-around badass. (And yes, she did give me permission to mention her.)
Delighted to be asked, I agreed. We struck up a conversation, and she impressed me immediately. She told me she was in town for less than 24 hours but had made a point to come to the march. “Heck, yeah!” I thought to myself, knowing I’d have done the exact same thing. I value intention more and more these days, so it felt good to encounter a kindred, stalwart spirit. Speaking of kindred spirits: I just arranged to have coffee next week with with one of my new friends I met at the rally.
So, there you have it: I arrived at the March alone and walked away wrapped in community. I confess I hesitated to write this post, out of fear of seeming too political. But what kind of person writes a blog about finding her voice, then becomes too shy to tell about the rally that may have been part of the largest demonstration in U.S. history? Honestly!
I’ll leave you with this. Solidarity in pink pussyhats, y’all!
Now, I’d love to hear your stories of the March! Feel free to contribute in the comments.
Thanks for winging it and braving the cold to march. More importantly, thanks for sharing your story.
I’m just glad it wasn’t below zero, Pennie. Fortunately it was above freezing and I had long underwear!
I adore you, Suzi. Always finding the right perspective, no matter where you land and how. Thanks for marching for those of us who could not on Saturday. My daughter and I wore our pussyhats all over our community on Saturday, surrounded by people who did not understand the march because of the bubbles in which they are so lucky to live. We got some strange looks in our red state, red city, red community that day, but even though I could not be at the Indianapolis march, I feel I made a statement. I enjoyed seeing your pictures of the movement in my beloved Twin Cities, and wished I could have been there with you. I am so glad you went.
Oh, Val, imagine the fun we’d have had, going together! Also, I’m thinking of the difference Kate’s already making in this area, superhero that she is!
<3 <3 <3
Right back at you, Rachel!!
Good for you! I had plans to meet up but if not oh well. In a crowd unless you start out together it is hard to find each other. But like you experienced you make new friends.Unfortunately I came down with a bad cold and could not brave the rain here to march. 🙁
Well, Haralee, there will be plenty more opportunities to connect with your people. Take care of that cold and put your feet up!
OH HOW I LOVE THIS.
(((sharing)))
Carla, your comment makes me so happy. Thank you for sharing!!
I Love this Suzi!
I attended the NYC march with a friend but to be honest, after a couple of hours in, I wished I was alone. Nonetheless, it was great to be part of a worldwide demonstrations against the various forms of hatred that have surfaced in the past year .I expect nothing less of Minnesota. (I was baffled when you guys elected Al Franken as senator but you were right.)
You found your voice and used a blog that YOU created to share that voice – bravo! The tolerance movement found its collective voice on Saturday.
Linda, of course you, too, used YOUR blog to share your voice as well. I’m so glad we discovered each other. Even though I haven’t been blogging as often these days–new job and all–it means so much to me that our connection is still going strong. Yes, being part of this global movement helped energize me for sure.
Yea You for going it alone and embracing the adventure. Thanks for sharing. I did not march, but my daughter did in Chicago and it was a wonderful experience for her. She was touched by how many mother/daughter pairs participated.
Good for your daughter for marching, Connie! How I’d have loved to have gone with my mom. She was marching with my sister-in-law and brother in Raleigh, and we texted each other throughout the day to give each other updates. Thanks for your comment!
Hi Suzi!
I envy you so! I really do! It’s so great to see you smiling and strong and so numerous!
We’ve been protesting for more than a year in Poland, now, but the right wing (nazist to tell the truth) government would not listen and would keep insulting people that protest. I’m depressed because the situation, the changes, influence the financial condition and wellbeing of my family, too. And the government has huge support – about 39% of people – who hate immigrants, succesful people and everyone that is not like them – strict roman catholic and nazi.
All the best to you! Sorry, today I’m down and cannot see any hope for us, sorry…
Oh, Emilia, your post breaks my heart. I don’t blame you for feeling down. I want you to know you’re not alone. I hope no matter what happens, you keep your blogging up, so you can process your feelings and find a place for them to land. Sending a virtual hug your way.
Thank you so much Suzi! It helps me to know we are not alone.
Emilia, I am thinking of you!!
What a huge turnout! I was unable to attend due to my caregiving duties, but I was there in spirit cheering everyone on! I was so proud!
Rena, there will be so many more opportunities to participate in community action. Thanks for commenting, and I can’t wait to see what other actions of solidarity come next.
Love your story, Suzi! Grateful for you and all the others who marched for those of us who couldn’t come!
Hi, Diane! We can’t all make it to every event, but good thing there will be lots of opportunities for us each to find their own voice and community.
Wow, how exciting because it turned out to be an awesome day for not only women, but for men and children as well. March on!!!
Yes, Antionette, I was thrilled to see how many men and children participated, right alongside the women. It truly felt bigger than I imagined it would be, in so many ways. March on, indeed!
What a great testament to what the marches were all about–community, connection, solidarity, love. Thanks for sharing!
Aww, thanks, Roxanne, for your comment! Community, connection, solidarity, and love–pretty hard to beat as a combination. But we must work at it as well. Sending all these qualities your way!
More than anything that’s what the march was all about, community. That we are all in this together.B
We are in this together, aren’t we, Beth! It was heartwarming to see so many different groups represented, peacefully but bravely standing together and standing up.
Lovely column you wrote and so nice to see so many young women involved. I’m Julie’s mom and I’ve been a feminist since I was 17. Sad we’re still fighting these battles but so happy so many people, men and women are fighting the battle. Thanks also for welcoming my daughter to your city! Georgie Binks
Oh my goodness, Georgie, your post made my day! My own mom has always inspired me to take action. She and my dad moved from California to Alabama in the sixties to fight for equal education and civil rights. On Saturday Mom was marching with my brother, sister-in-law, and three-year-old niece in Raleigh. I’d have loved join them, but we texted each other throughout the day to share our stories. As I say, your daughter’s spirit impressed me, and I’m glad I met her! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Wonderful to hear about your mom and family too. I also wanted to add that Canadian women stand with you. You won’t ever be fighting your battles on your own! Take care! Georgie
Being from Los Angeles, I’m shivering thinking of you out in the Minnesota cold. I went by myself too. Couldn’t get into the trains because they were packed. But it was amazing anyway.
Rebecca, good on you for attending your march on your own! You’re impressed by me being in the cold, but I’m impressed by you finding transportation when your original plan didn’t work. Shows dedication. One of my new friends regretted that she’d worn tennis shoes instead of boots to our march, but other than than that, the day (which got close to 40 degrees) was warm, relatively.
Some of my favorite moments of the march and rally were when the speaker asked us all to meet and greet our neighbors – along with “this is how you build community people”. Met some lovely folks and many of our party were at their first march ever. This totally captures the spirit of showing up without knowing what it will be like and being surprised and delighted. Great story telling.
“This is how you build community, people.” I want to go around saying that now. And doing what it takes to earn it, of course. Let’s all just keep showing up. Thanks for taking the time to comment, Brian! Funny that we’re talking about a women’s march, and it was a Dude that connected us, ha! But as you know, we’re all in it together.
Truly excellent observations; but I’m just a tad prejudiced! It sounds exactly like ATX, but it was 80 degrees here. Overwhelming, awe-inspiring….I simply don’t have enough adjectives for what I witnessed. ❤️
Those lucky people who got to be at the Austin rally with you, Emily! Any PALS along for the ride?
Aw, Suzi, I love you! My dad sent your blog to the whole family to read. 🙂 We’re Suzi Fans! I like your sign so much. Great photography as always!
Ha, Ellen, I did notice an uptick today. Must be the Mike factor. 🙂 Your dad is the best ever! But you already know this.
Suzi Hunn, you are incredible! What a beautiful and thoughtful perspective. Thank you for your bravery for going to the march alone and for sharing your experience with others. Unable to attend myself, your story, and the stories of a handful of other girlfriends has made me almost feel like I was there, and certainly helped me want to be involved and in action. If you’re interested, a friend who marched in DC is having a postcard party (to send to our local reps) this Thursday. March on!
Ivy, yes, put my name on the postcard party list. Awesome!!
Thanks for writing this, Suzi….. I missed the march but was there in SPIRIT. See you soon!!
I’m so glad we encountered each other, Joanne. I look forward to working with you and seeing how you and your business grow!