Yesterday I took part in The Women’s March in San Jose and it was one of those days I’ll remember my whole life. I had never marched in a demonstration and I wondered how it would be with the masses and wet weather. Honestly, I get a bit claustrophobic in crowds. Still, with everything going on in our country, I was not going to let that prevent me from being part of this historic movement, even if I passed out!
Eight thirty in the morning, granola bars (are we moms or what?) pink scarves, jackets and bright lipstick at the ready, we boarded the light rail to San Jose City Hall. When we arrived the streets were already overwhelmed- think Disneyland at it’s most packed, but with everyone wearing a knit pink hat. It was visual festival of pinks and brights.
My dear friend Aimee and her daughter a high school senior, Caroline did the march together.
Why was I there? I was there to support a more inclusive country that includes Muslims and Mexicans, and all immigrants. I believe our country has become the greatest because of the melting pot we are. I came to stand up against hate, which has had a resurgence since the election and has let people bring their prejudice front and center with no shame. I was there for women’s rights- for the right to choose what happens with her own body- not be told by law, and against the misogyny that our president represents with his comments about women. I was there for the earth- I believe climate change is not a hoax and that science matters. I want a country that is greener and why on earth would we go back to coal and fossil fuels when we know it’s bad for the earth and for those living near it? Those are just a few of my reasons.
My friends had similar concerns. So on we marched.
San Jose smartly decided to close down more streets to hold everyone so we could walk and find a spot without being jammed in. All told, 25,000 showed up! Crowds aside, by time we walked to City Hall we could not help, but feel an undeniable kinship with so many others. It was contagious.
Our friend Lindsay in pink. She’s a women’s doctor at Valley Med and someone made all the doctors these cool pink caps. There were so many great knit caps too!
Most everyone had a sign. The signs were inspiring, smart and sometimes pretty funny.
We waited on the street for about 45 minutes- chatting with those around us and taking pictures of posters and people. The tone was was encouraging and positive. I really admired the older women. By that I mean ladies closer to seventies, eighties and beyond…
Awesome that they represented. Many had signs saying they had done this before like this lady. One grandmother was in her nineties and marching with four generations of women in her family!
Families were a huge part of this march and it was inspiring to see how parents are already teaching their young ones to care about the earth and the welfare of others! The small ones with signs…
Cutie pies!
This little gal was my favorite. Her idea…
There were many, many mothers and daughters and also daughters marching in honor of their moms, like me.
I love that a lot of boys were part of this too- supporting their mothers like this little guy..
How nice is this seeing a dad and daughter doing this together? What great shirts.
Young women represented hugely and it was awesome to see them in action!
Then there were groups of men with some super signs…
The march once moving, took about an hour and was peaceful. People occasionally chanted and our group got some singing going a few times with, ‘This Land is Your Land’ and ‘All You Need is Love.’
After, there were motivating speakers at the plaza. It was getting cold and rainy so we headed back for food and some warmth. We literally squeezed ourselves back into the light rail train, but we were running on adrenaline and everyone was in a jovial mood- though we all could barely move an arm! Getting together with so many people who feel the same as we did about the direction of the country was reassuring. It nurtured the soul. Seeing the crowds around the world later on television, made me even more elated.
Just looking back at these snaps of the day gives me real hope. There are so many good people in this world who were out there not for themselves, but for all of us-together.
Another friend Mani with her friends had a banner as well.
With our awesome group of women from including our pal Los Gatos Mayor Marico Sayoc, third from left.
Thank you to everyone who marched, and thank you to everyone who was there in spirit. I’m so proud of all of us!
Let’s keep the momentum going..
Go here to see 10 Actions For The First 100 Days. Our work has only begun, but look how many are with us!
Kim
Photos property NorthernCalStyle.. Please link back and use with permission. Thanks to those who posed for these during the march and allowed me to use.
