Women's March on Denver, Colorado...rage, rage against the dying of the light!
I had the opportunity yesterday to sneak away from the editing desk for an hour and show my support for women's rights, human rights, the rights of the arts, humanities, and the environment. I oscillated on whether or not to go, only because my son was being looked after for the day and time is so precious with a one year old, a wife in grad school, and a bustling business to look after, that I felt inclined to stay glued to my seat and work. These days we are editing around the clock to make sure we get our couples a film that will stand the test of time, while doing so in a timely fashion. Yet after speaking with my sister yesterday morning, I knew I had to take that hour to show up. And thank you Leslie- your words inspired me to go, and the rally inspired me to continue to show up, just like the millions of people that showed up around the world yesterday. Leslie explained to me that she was going because while she too was busy, she felt that Trump's campaign aimed to turn people inwards, to posture us into a defensive stance, and this was an opportunity to remember and demonstrate that we as a nation can open our arms and offer a hand to all those beautiful and diverse people that wish to live and thrive here. For me, this validated the excursion completely. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of diversity to sustain communities and the environment. I want my son to grow up in a country and a world that honors inclusion, acceptance, and diversity. After the march yesterday, I feel more hopeful than ever that will be his future.
A body in the crowd will mean a lot over the coming years as these ideals are challenged. That being said, there were a lot of meaningful bodies in the crowd yesterday, and I feel honored and inspired to be part of such an incredible community. I hope you are moved by the images I captured, and that you enjoy some of the quotes and ideas that came through my mind as I was marching forward with my fellow Americans!
I showed up for my son, for his future, and it felt invigorating seeing thousands upon thousands of people show up, bring their families, and treat one another with such genuine respect!
“People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.” - Alan Moore
"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." - Desmond Tutu
"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me." - Pastor Martin Niemöller
As I have been employed in the arts for years, I truly believe that...
So I think it is apt to end with one more quote, that captured as it was yesterday, brings art and the revolution together.
Keep this momentum going, and turn the energy into something positive! Start small, and we will snowball our way to great change. Use your bikes instead of your cars to get out on your next date, say hello to someone who looks estranged on the light-rail, work with your community to eradicate pesticides from your local parks, plant a garden, volunteer, raise money and support for Planned Parenthood, write to congress to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline from moving through lands sacred to Native Americans, run for political office, help get out the vote, write a song and share it... do whatever speaks to you and will impact at least one other individual or the environment in some beneficial way. If you need more thoughts on moving forward, check this fantastic plan out: https://www.womensmarch.com/100/
Lastly, our democracy only works if we get heard, so get loud! If you were at the rally yesterday let it be known. Text "COUNT ME" to 89800 and let's get a good tally of how many beautiful souls showed up for love, hope, and progress! STAY INSPIRED!!!