#WhyIMarch: Culturess Writers Share Their Women’s March Thoughts

2017 Women’s March, Washington, DC (Image via Kalistrya)

A Voice in the South

For most of my adult life, I have worked in the United States Air Force or for the federal government. There are strict rules about military members and government workers getting involved in political demonstrations. They wouldn’t outright ban you from going, but it’s certainly frowned upon. So for the past 19 years, I haven’t participated in any event that could be deemed political.

Don’t get me wrong, I was still vocal about my opinions. I just didn’t share them outside my circle of friends. This all changed when the government contract I worked for the last 12 years expired. While I was disappointed that I had lost a job, I adore the freedom it gave me to express my views openly and freely for the very first time in my adult life.

After the results of the presidential election, I knew I would have to become more politically active. I knew the Trump administration would infringe the rights of the minorities, LGBTQ, women, immigrants, and so many others. When the Women’s March on DC was announced, I instantly sought out an event that I could participate in.

I was glad to find a local event and find it well attended for a small town in the south that overwhelmingly voted for the current president. It also put me in touch with like-minded individuals who are planning to keep organized and active.

The events these last few weeks have ignited a fire in my soul that will not be calmed by alternative facts from this administration. I truly believe if we stick together we can minimize the damage this administration will cause.

– I. A. Melton marched in a small town in Louisiana

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