Being able to experience the Women’s Rights march in NYC was incredibly eye-opening.  As soon as I stepped on the train I was immediately greeted by families of protesters, holding signs and talking excitedly about the event. I sat among like minded individuals, who contained the same restless need to be heard as I did. Arriving at Grand Central was truly a spectacle, I was greeted by a sea of brightly colored signs that fearlessly sported anti-Drumpf slogans and other leftist sentiments. It was emotionally overwhelming, I found myself getting choked up as I exited the train station into the mass of people outside. Marchers from every walk of life had shown up, proudly chanting “We are the popular vote” and “This is what democracy looks like”.

The march stretched from the front of Grand Central to the crowded steps of the New York Public Library. The sudden eruption of a chant would vibrate throughout the whole crowd of people, first only slightly audible at a distance, then powerful and roaring as it crept closer. The march was filled with millennials, many of whom were my age, and like myself had not been able to vote. This march was one of many that had taken place across the nation, and across the globe.

The march stood for so many things besides women’s rights- it represented a restless youth, that was determined to be heard, it represented the political ideals that had been abashed when Drumpf had taken office, it represented the unrest of the minority population. It was amazing to see how willing thousands of people were to advocate for their rights, despite the biting wind and low temperatures. After walking past the march and into Times Square, my friend and I spent the day in the city admiring the many tourist attractions. Walking back to the train station, many hours after the march had concluded, we were greeted by the aftermath of the march.  Sign after sign was left on the steps of the library and in the doorways of buildings adjacent to Grand Central. Left as a reminder of a people that should not be taken lightly.