Masses assemble at the ‘People’s March’ at the National Mall Jan. 18 supporting causes ranging from climate change to women’s reproductive rights. Photo credit: Dara Karadsheh
WASHINGTON– Thousands gathered Jan. 18 at the National Mall for the People’s March in a
effort calling for justice, equality and community resilience in the face of political uncertainty.
The march, which started at Farragut Square, McPherson Square and Franklin Park and
converged at the Lincoln Memorial, drew a diverse crowd of locals and travelers from across the nation, each supporting a unique cause, but echoing a common goal– the advancement of
American prosperity.
An anti-Trump protester questions America’s choice of president at the ‘Peoples March’ Jan. 18 at the National Mall. Photo credit: Dara Karadsheh
This same event, then-named ‘The Women’s March’ in 2017, attracted tens of thousands at
Donald Trump’s first inauguration.
This year, a broader net has been cast raising attention to the issues of women’s rights,
immigration, war in the Middle East and LGBTQIA+.
Protestors gather at the National Mall for ‘The People’s March’ on Jan 18. Photo credit: Dara Karadsheh.
–Dara Karadsheh and Allie Litzinger
Florida feminists join protest
Florida Feminists against Fascism protestors participate at The Peoples March on Jan 18 at the National Mall. Photo credit: Allie Litzinger.
Legislative director of the Florida chapter of the National Organization for Women Kat
Duesterhaus protested with members of the Florida Feminists Against Fascism.
“We’re here to say we’re feminists and we’re fighting against facism,” said Duesterhaus,
39.
Duesterhaus says abortion bans are unpopular across the nation and hopes others
stand up.
“We’re not gonna take it, we’re gonna fight back,” she said.
Women’s issues are all interconnected, Duesterhaus said. The more we stand up for all
the people that are facing oppression, and the loss of their rights, the stronger that we
are, she said.
“One voice alone may not be heard but collectively we can make a difference,” said
Duesterhaus.
–Allie Litzinger
‘This is my space too,’ says pro-Trump feminist
Nivriti Agaram sports a ‘Make America Great Again’ hat while showing support for the feminist movement at the People’s March on the National Mall Jan. 18. Photo credit: Dara Karadsheh
‘Nivriti Agaram, 20, brought a different perspective to the People’s March.
“I’m a feminist but I also voted for Trump,” said Agaram, whose ‘Make America Great Again’
cap stood out in the crowd. “This is the women’s march. This is my space too.”
For Agaram, the People’s March was an opportunity for conversation.
“My goal was to come here and have conversations with people, and show that we both have the same goal,” she said. “Maybe we disagree on certain ways to get there, but we have a common goal, and we share common values.”
But not everyone was open to such discourse. Agaram described being heckled by opposing
protestors, which she said only proved her point.
“I think the reason why feminism is failing as a movement and why people don’t take women
seriously anymore is because they’ve gone so far to the point where they can’t have a
conversation with anyone who disagrees with any of their agenda.”
Other conflicts flared at the protest, including antiabortion activists who carried large posters of fetuses. Some of the People’s March demonstrators ear the Lincoln Memorial shouted “My body, my choice” toward the anti-abortion group.
Tensions rise as passionate protesters and counter protesters interact at the People’s March Jan. 18 at the National Mall. Photo credit: Dara Karadsheh
A protester donning a ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ outfit stares down an anti-abortion protest in a chilling standoff at the People’s March on the National March Jan. 18. Photo credit: Dara Karadsheh
— Dara Karadsheh
Civil rights attorney walks for women’s rights
People’s March volunteers John Cabrera II and Ronnie Podolefsky at the National Mall on Jan 18. Photo credit: Allie Litzinger.
People’s March volunteer and civil rights attorney Ronnie Podolefsky 74, road-tripped
from Colorado to DC to attend the march.
“This is where I wanted to be as I approached my 75th birthday; this has been my
passion for all my life,” Podolefsky said.
She says that passion is for women’s rights, rights of all people who are oppressed.
She wants to educate people who are on the other end oppressing, out of ignorance,
unintentional, or intentional.
She calls herself a proponent of social justice. In 1992, she served as the president of
the Iowa chapter of the National Organization for Women and was later elected to the
board of the national organization.
Podolefsky said there is not just one issue at the march; it depends on who you speak
to and what is affecting them in particular.
“Each individual is going to have a different reason for being here and a lot of us overlap
but I think everyone should be heard and respected,” Podolefsky said.
On the women’s side she says it’s the integrity of their own bodies.
“There are no laws for men that match up to what’s being done to women, and that’s
been going on for a long time,” Podolefsky said.
Podolefsky says Trump paints many people as not worthy of being here in this country.
She says she feels there’s been an escalation of hate, and disdain for others is
increasing.
“Anyone who goes home from here needs to hold inside what they feel today and live it
and don’t be afraid,” Podolefsky said.
John Cabrera II, 25, volunteered at the march with Podolefsky.
“This is an American activity,” Cabrera said. “I thought that just showing up wasn’t enough. And so I wanted to volunteer to, at least, try to make a difference.” As the son of Filipino immigrants, Cabrera said he wanted to offer his time as a de-escalation and security volunteer to advance women’s rights both domestically and abroad.
–Allie Litzinger
Design credits: Mariaregina Mendoza
