Natalie Dean | Freelancer

The 2018 Womxn’s March took place on Jan. 21 in the heart of Salem with the area surrounded by all walks of life. There were men, women, children and dogs pressed close together to support women’s rights and have a frank conversation of the continuous oppression of minority groups.

The choice to name it the Womxn’s March was a conscious one. After the 2017 Women’s March, many community members felt that it wasn’t inclusive to minority groups. By renaming it the Womxn’s March, it encompasses the full spectrum of women everywhere; those who identify as queer women, trans women and women of color.

The men that participated stood in support of their sisters, mothers, wives and daughters who have faced oppression. Signs were held by many, sending direct messages to those in power. Some reading, “Listen to me as I stand,” and “Beware; for I am fearless and therefore powerful.” There were little girls with their own homemade signs, some dressed as the Statue of Liberty, Rosie the Riveter and Wonder Woman.

Sophomore Jamie Norr was among the hundreds marching in Salem. “The Womxn’s March this weekend was humbling,” Norr reflected. “There were so many people who just wanted peace and equality and it was amazing to be a part of something so positive and impactful …  In our country’s current state, women, people of color, the LGBTQA+ community, and so many others are discriminated against and having our voice out there, loud and proud, is the only way to end all this hate.”

During the event, emcee LeAnna Thornton asked everyone in the crowd to participate in an exercise. She spoke, “There’s a lot of hurt and shame and guilt around sexual assault. We’re asking everyone to raise their hands if you can say, ‘me too.’ And to look around at the faces of those who have experienced an assault or harassment, and to not be ashamed. To let the guilt, and the pain, let it go. Work through it. Heal.”

Then, with knitted pink hats and signs in hand, they marched.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Photo by: OPB.com