Again. And again, as often as needed.
At a march for freedom, it is clear. The work in front of us is enormous. And we must meet the moment together.
I’m beginning this piece on a cold, clear Saturday morning in my small town. In about an hour, I’ll head out to our local People’s March for Freedom, organized by the town’s Indivisible chapter.
Eight years ago, I was in Seattle along with over one hundred thousand other folks marching for human rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, and so much more as the 45th administration came into power. Four years ago, I watched the inauguration of the Biden administration with breath held, hoping there would be no repeat of the dreadful violence of January 6, 2021.
I guess all along we knew this was a marathon, and yet I struggle with feelings of defeat. Again, again? We have to do this again?
I’ll finish writing after the march. I’m curious as to how many folks will join us, and what the emotional temperature will be. In 2017, we were elated to be among so many of our neighbors and community members who were committed to peace, inclusion, and justice for all. In 2025, I anticipate a more somber group, and yet one perhaps even more committed.
*****
Again. We have to do this again. And again. That was one consensus of the roughly 100 people who turned out to march and speak in our community.
The sun welcomed us; people brought humor and dogs. We earned honks from passing vehicles - some of support, some clearly intended to disrupt.
Speakers, planned and spontaneous, emphasized unity and hope in the face of challenges to freedom. We were asked to stand by our friends, families, and neighbors of color, women, LGBTQ+ folk, and immigrants. To be ready to help. To be ready to protect.
We clapped and whistled and cheered, and we realized. Again. We will do this again, and again. The work in front of us is enormous. And we must meet the moment together.
Tomorrow marks both the inauguration and the annual observation of a day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Let’s focus on the words of Dr. King:
In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends.
The Trumpet of Conscience, 1967
