On Saturday, we were proud to be a part of the largest protest in America’s history. We stood next to our brothers and sisters as we marched for the safety of our children, for people of all faiths, for the fight against bigotry and mockery, and to acknowledge that this country is experienced differently by its citizens. It was a powerful day, and one that we are grateful to be a part of it.
Rosalind had the honor of emceeing the march in Orange County while Charlie and Katie marched in the streets of Denver.
Below is the speech Rosalind delivered 25,000 men, women, children, and teens in Santa Ana, CA.
I am teacher, mother, daughter, wife, sister, and I have the incredible job of working with young people to make the world a better place. We are many different people but we are here for one shared reason: To come together to take ownership and affirm our collective belief that everyone–no matter who they are, where they come from, the color of their skin, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, how much money they have, or how old they are–deserve to be treated with dignity.
We are not alone: We are one of 673 sister marches–49 in California alone. From Wyoming, Mississippi, Georgia, Maine, Hawaii, Antarctica, South Korea, Canada, Germany, Kenya, the Congo, India, New Zealand, Madagascar, and we are united in common purpose to stand for upholding the dignity of all.
Why are we here? We are not here standing against anyone. We are here to stand for…
Our children feeling safe and welcome in schools
People of all faiths feeling welcome in our neighborhoods.
Reaching towards each other and listening when we are angry
Speaking out against mockery and demeaning people and we will not tolerate it in our leaders
Acknowledging that this country is experienced differently by our citizens
Every person’s feeling of safety and inclusion is not a political issue–it is a basic right that our democracy is founded on.
It is these beliefs that make us proud to be Americans and marching today.
And to the young people: Adults in the last year have behaved badly. They haven’t been good role models. Some of them are continuing on that path.
This is your moment to hold adults accountable. No, it’s not all on your shoulders. You are surrounded by adults who stand ready by your side. People often say young people are our future. I say you are our right now.
We will face our future with courage, persistence, humility. Some of us have been doing this work for decades, some of us just arrived, but all of us are connected now. Leave here knowing that this is a defining moment where we collectively began to put our values into action. I can’t wait to see what we will do.
Photos courtesy of Danielle Cohen, Be Seen Photography
Did you march? Do you have an experience you want to share? Please email us at curious@culturesofdignity.com
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