Walnut Creek's Women's March
On January 21st 2017, men, women, and children from across the bay area attended the Women’s March in Walnut Creek. These people marched to show their passion in protecting the human rights of our country.
The event began with a demonstration from guest speakers at Civic Park, with an audience of approximately 10,000 people of all different ethnicities.
Junior Sienna Terry, spoke at the march and shared her stories dealing with racism. “I spoke about how racism is not only an issue in the Midwest, but at Las Lomas as well,” said Terry. “I went on to talk about institutionalized racism and how, statistically, the U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world.” Sienna Terry also mentioned how black people consider her to be privileged because she lives in an affluent area, and that racism is still an issue despite the fact that she lives in Walnut Creek.
“I was hoping that the racism that we both experience between the two different types of communities can be a bridge between the two of us,” said Terry.
“I feel that I made an impact within black people and me, being out there, speaking about my own experiences in such an expensive area, made it easier to relate to me.”
Speaking at the march opened the door to a lot of other political opportunities for Terry. She received positive feedback from the crowd, with one person in particular standing out, Congressman, Mark DeSaulnier.
“Congressman Mark DeSaulnier told me he really liked my speech and I have the opportunity to possibly intern for him this summer,” said Terry.
Before she spoke at the event, Terry wanted to start a career in Immigration Law, but now feels the need to study politics.
“I feel like this opportunity, and these people have set a path for me to go into politics and I think I should take it,” said Terry. “I enjoy it and I want to help people.”
Along with Terry, attendees from the Women’s March felt that the event was successful, and sent a positive message. “I am in it for the long haul,” said Janet Gay, a librarian at Mt. Diablo Unified School District. “It’s real simple… people should be people,” said Raven McCoy, an attendee of the event.
The event allowed thousands of diverse people to come together. “We just want everyone to be equal and to be treated equal...and we all support that in our own way...we’re all so unique,” said Celeste Castillo.
They marched, in solidarity, to honor human rights and equality and are motivated to continue being active in the movement, as one march isn’t going to make a significant difference to an issue so controversial.
