BY CORBIN MCGUIRE, OPINIONS EDITOR
On Jan. 21, one day following the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump, I joined what CNN reported to be one million Americans attending protests across the country and many thousands at the Women’s March on Washington for which The Huffington Post reported an estimate of 500,000 people were in attendance.
The Women’s March on Washington’s official website states: “We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families – recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.”
This follows a series of statements by Trump that some perceive as threatening towards the rights of women as well as minority groups such as those of color, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community.
While in the nation’s capital, I was among notable celebrities and public figures such as actress Emma Watson and Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Adichie. There were also speakers and performers such as Scarlett Johansson, Madonna, Alicia Keys, Angela Davis, and Cecile Richards, the CEO of Planned Parenthood, but the majority of the people filling the streets were women, men and children in knit pink hats with cat ears, a response to Trump’s statements about women which surfaced during the election.
Also in attendance were several current Bellarmine students, alumni, and professors.
“I felt very moved at the march by all the representation of so many diverse communities. I don’t know if I have ever seen a movement of solidarity and intersectionality as big as the Women’s March on Washington,” said Bellarmine sophomore Liz Yeske. “The movement was so huge and so unstoppable that I know I’ll be reading about it in history books one day. It’s just incredible how the power of love and hope and justice can bring together people of all different places and all different backgrounds.
Senior Courtney Corey attended the march with a group of Bellarmine students.
“I’m awestruck and incredibly proud of the people I met. We fought for equality and we did it peacefully and joyously,” said Corey.
Bellarmine alumnus Matthew Kaufmann also made the trek to D.C. and left feeling optimistic for the future.
“[There was] solidarity of purpose and message. The streets of D.C. [were] packed with posters, people, hope, and a revolutionary spirit. So many people coming together fighting for the integrity of our country. It’s the first time I felt hope and pride in my country since the election,” Kaufmann said.
In a Facebook post following the march, Bellarmine student Bridget Bard said: “So much love and peace! So grateful for this experience. An accurate description would be a great line that goes, ‘my feet are tired, but my soul is wide awake.’”
Bard attended the march with Yeske and other Bellarmine students who took the time to take the university’s messages of inclusivity and its celebration of diversity beyond Bellarmine’s archway and all the way to Washington.
“Ultimately it was a sign of hope. A message that our voices cannot be ignored,” said Yeske.