Why I March: Women's March - Toronto

Title header - Women's March on Washington - Toronto - google image

This weekend I was proud to be one of the peaceful, pink hats, people/protesters. Even though I didn't have a pink hat, and as much as I wanted one, I didn't let that stop me from getting dressed and getting out to join the march. I put on my brightest pink lipstick and pink tunic top and marched my ass downtown because this pussy fights back. No tiny hand is gonna grab my pussy! Us nasty women (and men) fight like a girl out in the streets as sisters in solidarity with signs that scream loud and clear. 

The Stats

Women's March Toronto - People in peaceful protest - Nathan Phillip's Sq - google image

The march was reportedly the biggest in America's h-er-story amassing to the tune of 2.9 million according to a Google document. In Canada, it's bordering neighbor to the North, we also showed up in record numbers in support of our sisters in solidarity: An estimated 60,000 people assembled at Queen's Park, then marched to the U.S. Consulate, and ended at Nathan Phillips Square/Toronto City Hall.  We marched to the beat of drums and other instruments, sang, chanted and danced to our hearts' content. 

The Motivation 

Why I March - Google image - Washington assembly

So what motivated me to march in this movement? As we sat in the living room watching our strong, feisty sisters in Washington, neighboring cities and around the world march to resist the raw and revolting rhetoric of newly inaugurated U.S. President and now leader of the free world, Donald Trump, I was moved to take action. Though it was a last minute decision, I challenged my daughter to accompany me, to be a part of something bigger than us! 

You see, I refuse to sit idly by and watch this world regress to a state of division, ruined by hatred: misogyny, bigotry, racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia and women and blacks reduced and revert to second class citizen. I march to summon the likes of Donald Trump, such as Kelly Leitch and Kevin O'Leary, that no "Trumpism" will be tolerated here in Canada.

The Call

If you are neutral in situation of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor - Women's march poster sign - Insta image 

From my early childhood, I had this calling to join a movement. But until today, I didn't have the courage, confidence, conviction nor company to do it. 

I didn't join a movement in my teens because my mom was too afraid of what could happen to me. I didn't know how exactly to get involved because I was also a new immigrant without status. And, I was too self-conscious to do it alone nor was I sure it was the right thing to do. But now I am older, wiser, bolder. I have my children to set an example for (and to accompany me). And oh boy, was I glad I did it! 

What a peaceful way to demand what you want. The energy you draw from the crowd is rejuvenating. Young and old, gay and straight, males and females, white and non-white all in solidarity fighting for the same things—peace, love, freedom, liberty, clean air, and water—one nation under God. The only color we saw was pink! We didn't see LGBTQ or straight, we saw people. The only labels were the posters in the air. I encourage you to get out there and join a movement. Find a cause to fight evil so that good can prevail.

So ask me again why I march, I march because I can't stand to see my black ancestors blood, sweat and tears go in vain. So if this is what it take to, it's well worth the march. I march to keep their movement moving forward and to encourage the youth to stand up and fight for their rights and the rights of others. For what goes on today sets a precedent and makes an impact years later. Meaning, one day yours could be trampled on and taken away.  Donald Trump is now the leader of the free world. His laws and policies affect us all. We have to care. 

I march to walk the talk and put my movement where my mouth is. I march to send a message to jackass politicians and evil police officers that we will not sit down and take their brutality. We will march to expose them and expunge them. To let them know we will defend our rights and justice. We want peace, equality, freedom and inclusiveness. To let them know that love trumps hate and we are willing to march for it, to create civil upheaval for it, to put on our pink hats, pink lipstick and pink clothes and protest in the streets for it. That we shall overcome like Selma. 

No police force or politicians will have power and dominion over the people. They're hired and elected to serve and protect "We The People, not to screw us over and destroy our nation. 

The Rhetoric 

President Trump is so vain. We know he thinks this march is about him and his administration, but quite the contrary. This is huge. Much, much bigger than him. This is about humanity! This is a plea for him to stop his riveting rhetoric and divisive mentality that has arose uncivilized behavior we thought we laid to rest. I don't hate him. And I am not saying everyone who voted for him is deplorable, but I do believe that a lot of them are. So for this reason, I hate what he stands for. I truly believe half these protesters would be rooting for his success otherwise. But if he succeeds under his current regime, we are doomed.

So while his rhetoric might resonate with some of you, it is dangerous, defamatory and damaging. It should not be relied upon. It is not to be relished. Today, I urge you: Do your research. Listen to the news. Watch documentaries. Talk to people to get their point of view; but most importantly, stay true to your own values and reflect on them frequently to see if they are in alignment with a Higher Purpose. If not, adjust them or seek help. 

Here are few highlights of the fervent march from my camera roll... 

You may also check out my Instagram page for more.

personal pic

Me, standing in solidarity

Be blessed...be bold...be strong...be you!

Andrene Gregory is a life coach at Aggie Strong Ultimate Life Coaching Services. You can follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn for more tidbits of information and learn more about her. 

She provides one-to-one coaching and group workshops to adults seeking to improve their life skills, lifestyle and leadership capabilities for greater personal power and a  balanced life.