Yesterday, January 21 2017, I was lucky enough to be part of HISTORY! I marched in one of the Women's marches that took place across the country. I am so happy that I was able to participate but it is especially wonderful since my 7 month old daughter participated with me! Of course my daughter , Heléna, will not remember being part of this historical event. However, it was important that she be there with me. Heléna will grow older and see the pictures and hear the stories. She needs to know how imperative it is that we stand up for what we believe in. I want to raise her to be strong, independent, fearless and an unapologetic feminist! I am proud that this event will be part of her history or "herstory" As she grows up I will encourage her to lead her own path and carry on the fight.
We marched in our hometown of Walnut Creek. I initially wanted to march in nearby Oakland but I knew that would be a challenge logistically with my little girl. I was so pleased to learn that there would be a march up the street from our home. Although it would have been great to march in a major US city I was so happy that there was a march accessible to us. There was a fantastic turnout! I can't validate but I hear that crowd estimates were around 5,000 people and it was raining!! Don't worry, I found a handy rain cover for my daughter's stroller and she didn't get a drop on her. There were a lot of people there with young children and even dogs.
I am not unique by feeling that becoming a mother has changed me. My goal is to raise my daughter with a set of good values. Although she is little now, I feel it is necessary to consistently exhibit the values I want to instill in her. It would have been easier to sit this one out but I want to teach my daughter to get engaged and stay engaged so it was a must that we get out there and march with the people. Many thoughts ran through my head as I pushed my daughter in her stroller to the rally. I thought "How did we get to a place where this march is so necessary? How is it that our rights as women, muslims, black people, citizens are threatened in 2017 after people marched, fought and died for us so many years ago? Have I not done enough? Have we become complacent? Better yet ....have I become complacent? What does the future hold for my child? What else can I do? I am never publicly political. Maybe it's because discussing politics can make others feel uncomfortable and defensive. The Women's March was way bigger than politics. I have great concerns over the future of our country and I may feel particularly sensitive since I am a new mother. We are all busy but I loved how for this past weekend millions of people were "woke", aware, and engaged! We need to keep that up! Our daughters and our sons are counting on us.