Women’s March: fighting back for third year

Nothing screams unity more than random musicians playing together to the beat of marchers yelling out “stand up, fight back!”

These words rang through the air in San Diego during the Third annual Women’s March on January 19. The march originated in 2017 as a protest to President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Among other things, they demonstrated for reproductive rights, racial justice, pro-immigrations rights and LGBTQIA rights. This year, more than 3 million people marched in cities throughout the world.

SWC Governing Board Vice President Nora Vargas, who has been a vocal activist in San Diego throughout her life, was the emcee of this year’s local march.

“I am marching here today because we are stronger together,” Vargas said to the diverse crowd.

The passionate attendees marched throughout downtown San Diego displaying handmade protest signs with demands for human rights.

Tasha Williams, co-founder of San Diego Compassion Project, spoke about the lack of representation of black women and men in the Women’s March. Williamson encouraged the attendees to make an effort to fight for inclusion similar marches and in their daily lives.

Mara Elliott, San Diego’s first female city attorney, spoke of her accomplishments. Elliott said San Diego prosecuted about 1,000 domestic violence/sexual assault crimes in 2017 with a 95 percent conviction rate.

“Everyone has the right to live without fear,” Elliott said.

Marchers said they attended in solidarity with those who fear for their lives on a daily basis. This includes women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ community.

“We are stronger together as a community to say ‘no more,’” said state Assemblyman Todd Gloria.

Gloria was the only man to speak at the march but many others came out to support their loved ones making a stand for women’s equality.

Carissa Razo brought her husband Mike and two young sons to the march with her. Mike Razo said he was enjoying himself, and was glad to spend the day with his family.

Nicole Labrosse said she started to teach her five-year-old daughter Eloise at a young age about gender equality. Eloise yelled out “girl power” in excitement on their way to the march, Labrosse said.

The march ended with a note of unity and belonging as marchers were holding hands, dancing and hugging strangers while singing, “This Little Light of Mine.”