As a mother and a woman of color, my motivation to march is deeply personal and rooted in a history that shapes our present. Picture this: you are the only white person in your neighborhood or workplace. Now, imagine your child being the sole white student in their class. How would it feel to have your qualifications questioned, or to be overlooked in conversations because of your race? It’s a stark reality for many, but it’s essential to recognize that the systemic power dynamics in our society still favor white individuals, even if they find themselves in minority situations.
It’s crucial to understand that the foundations of this nation were built on exclusionary practices. Many communities, including Portland, Oregon, where I reside, did not see integrated housing policies until 1948. For decades, people of color were systematically kept out of neighborhoods, schools, and professions. Even after integration, practices like redlining ensured that segregation persisted. This isn’t just a Portland issue; many regions across the U.S. have similar histories of racial segregation.
As gentrification took hold, urban centers became revitalized, but not without a cost. Long-time residents of color were displaced as their neighborhoods transformed from vibrant communities into trendy locales filled with high-end shops. This phenomenon affected countless families, pushing them out of areas they called home for generations.
On January 21, 2017, I will join thousands of women from my community in a march, standing in solidarity with millions nationwide. We march to affirm our rights and to resist any forces that seek to undermine our freedoms. The Women’s March on Washington has sparked conversations around intersectional feminism—an essential framework that recognizes the interconnected nature of social categorizations and how they create overlapping systems of discrimination.
Many still struggle to grasp the importance of highlighting marginalized voices, asking why we can’t simply unite as women. These inquiries indicate a misunderstanding of the reality that, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Until all are free, none are free.” The fight for equity is not a level playing field; some have obstacles to overcome while others face insurmountable barriers.
I march for my grandmother, who stood alongside civil rights leaders in the 1960s, and for my mother, who bravely faced hostility as a child in a segregated school. I march for my own child, who, despite progress, still risks being placed in segregated schools. I stand for families struggling to afford housing, for mothers facing the rising costs of childcare, and for those who provide such care, often underpaid and overworked.
Women of color disproportionately face violence, especially those who are queer or transgender. This march represents a call for justice and equity—because women of color are still lagging behind in nearly every aspect of life, from income to healthcare access, as well as facing harsher penalties in educational and judicial systems.
Critics may argue that issues like education and safety affect all women, and question the focus on race. However, recognizing systemic racism is vital to understanding the different challenges that women face. It is not only about lifting each other up but about acknowledging that some have a longer way to go than others. Feminism must be inclusive, or it fails to serve its purpose.
To my white sisters, the responsibility lies with you to confront and dismantle white supremacy. This is your call to action. Educate your children about anti-racism, challenge color-blind ideologies, and recognize your privilege. Stand against racism whenever you encounter it, and be ready to learn and grow. Only white individuals can effectively combat white violence.
So, instead of lamenting division, let’s commit to creating a just society for everyone. For more insights on home insemination and related topics, you can explore our blog at https://intracervicalinsemination.com/blog/. Additionally, check out resources on artificial insemination at https://www.makeamom.com/artificial-insemination-kit/cryobaby-at-home-insemination-kit, and find valuable information on IVF at https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/ivf/.
In summary, my march is not just a personal act; it is a collective stand for justice, equity, and the recognition of the unique struggles faced by women of color. It is a call for solidarity, understanding, and action that seeks to create a better future for all.