By Stephanie Florence, 40:20 Vision Ambassador
On January 21, 2017, I witnessed a piece of history. I joined 250,000 in the Women’s March on Chicago. Not only did I get to witness it, I had the great fortune of volunteering backstage – greeting speakers and performers before their important moments. And then seeing their reactions leaving the stage after sharing their story, their sound, their voice with the supportive crowd.
Like many other cities, people came out at such a high volume in Chicago that the actual ‘march’ had to take a backseat. There simply weren’t enough streets in Chicago for us to strut down. That meant we had more time to rally together and remain in one place with the community we had fostered. A group that represented people from various ages, backgrounds, ethnicities and races. The day felt like we were one large community. We stood together in support of what women have been fighting for – for years – and for the changes we want to see happen in our lifetimes…so our daughters and sons aren’t the ones picking up where we left off.
These dedicated, peaceful, willing, ready-to-rock, sign-raising marchers prove to me that we are going in the right direction and we’re showing no signs of slowing down. I’d like to share three gifts from this day provided by the co-chairs of the Women’s March on Chicago. They shared these gifts in their final words to the 250,000-strong crowd as what comes next.
1. Step outside your comfort zone. One inch. One mile. Do it tomorrow. – Liz Radford
2. Answer the call to action every time it comes. We will meet each challenge and we will win. – Jessica Scheller
3. As you march home today, think of what you will do because it will make a difference. – Ann Scholhamer
Read more of Stephanie’s 40:20 Vision contributions here and find her on Twitter at @StephanieFlo. And stay tuned for more reactions from the Women’s Marches across the globe.
