Calvert Students Attend the Baltimore Women's March

It began with a rally in War Memorial Plaza at City Hall where hundreds gathered to listen to a diverse group of speakers talk about this year’s goals:

• Invest in unifying communities
• Build grassroots power
• Move the city and state forward

The talks highlighted the accomplishments of women and celebrated women all over the Baltimore region. The march followed, and it went from the plaza south on Holliday Street, east on Pratt Street, north on Gay Street and then returned to the War Memorial for more activities. It wrapped up around 1:00 P.M.

Here are the thoughts of three of the students attending on why it was important for them to be present, what the experience taught them, and what their plans are moving forward:

 

“We drove down to City Hall thirty minutes before the start of the rally and put signs together for the March. They had phrases such as “let equality bloom” and “we the people are greater than fear.” The rally started at 11:00 A.M. and beforehand we listened to many different speakers on the grass in front of City Hall. The Baltimore Mayor, Catherine Pugh, spoke along with representatives of the Maryland House and Baltimore City's council, rabbi’s, and heads of different organizations such as Planned Parenthood and CASA. At noon we marched around downtown for about 30 minutes before many gathered in the War Memorial for voting registration, to learn more about the organizations that spoke, and a panel discussion: Where Do We Go From Here? Hearing all different kinds of people speak was extremely empowering. They were so different from us and each other, but all believed on the power and the impact women have and can have on our community. It inspires all of us to be more aware than we are already on social issues and continue telling others about our beliefs”  - Julia Powell

 

“We are young women, teenagers to be exact, but being a teenager now isn’t really what it used to be, at least for us. Instead of drinking various caffeinated drinks at a local Starbucks or skimming the shelves of the library for the right book, we stand in groups and march for what we believe in. Don’t get me wrong we still drink a lot of coffee and read maybe a bit too much, but we also call each other and talk about updates we get from the New York Times about government shutdowns and court rulings, but mostly it's about being a girl in 2019. I guess it's a bit strange that I get updates from female activists or the ACLU newsletter while doing my math homework, but honestly, I’m not sure being strange is a bad thing. Things are changing, and things are happening that the world has never seen before. We, the youth, have a chance to learn more about what's going on and what we can do to change the small things in our lives. What impact do you believe it will have in your future?”-Asha Worley

 

“When most people hear “feminist” they synonymize it with misandrist, someone who hates men. It is used as an extreme word, which is often used as an insult by people who are ignorant to its meaning. The word feminist is defined as someone who believes that men and women are equal, and deserve equal opportunity. However, over the years, misandrists have taken over its meaning and tainted the word to its current misrepresentation. This misrepresentation is quite problematic, we can’t talk about important issues such as the wage gap without getting laughed at or called things like “feminazi.” It’s evident that we cannot do anything until we start to understand the core beliefs behind feminism, which is simply equality. This is why we went to the march, to be with like-minded people, and stand up for a cause that we not only believe in, but that directly affects us. Marching was a very moving and powerful experience; seeing men and women of all ages stand up for something that is essential. I would highly recommend going to such a march if you have similar beliefs. And, if you don’t share those ideals, then it may also be worth going, to see and understand the true meaning of feminism and equality”. -Yasmine Worley

 

After sharing their thoughts, when asked where to go from here, they all agree on:

• Going to more marches
• Being more aware of social issues
• Paying more attention to news
• Makes us want to vote
• Looking at careers in politics, policy writing or at least internships in social activism
• “Anything no matter how small could make a difference”

 

At Calvert we provide the safe and brave space to listen to, understand, and debate the social issues affecting our world communities. Providing opportunities to have authentic experiences where students feel empowered to interact and voice their beliefs, concerns and solutions will give students purpose. Realizing that they are already making an impact, and are well on their journey to become agents of positive change in their local and global communities will make them leaders.