DC Love March
After the Donald Trump’s election as President in November 2016, the country became a divided nation. Many protests against Trump occurred both in the United States and worldwide following his presidential campaign, his electoral win, and through his inauguration.
On January 21, 2017, there were large protests in more than 650 cities, with estimates of up to 4.8 million people worldwide. I had not participated in any march for more than a year until that day when I joined about 500,000 like-minded people in Washington D.C. for the Women’s March. This was the biggest demonstration I had ever participated in. It lit up the fire inside of me, the activist ready to make a change. I loved seeing people unite as one, as a reminder that we are all connected, and that we are in this together.
On January 21, 2017, there were large protests in more than 650 cities, with estimates of up to 4.8 million people worldwide. I had not participated in any march for more than a year until that day when I joined about 500,000 like-minded people in Washington D.C. for the Women’s March. This was the biggest demonstration I had ever participated in. It lit up the fire inside of me, the activist ready to make a change. I loved seeing people unite as one, as a reminder that we are all connected, and that we are in this together.
As Trump signed several executive orders, including the withdrawal of Affordable Care Act, Mexican border wall, and others affecting refugees and immigrants, the people continued protesting. It has been impossible to ignore what is going on; every minute the media reminds us of this terrifying reality. My heart breaks when I see all this division and injustice. It's been hard not to be compassionate for those affected, but I tried to remain proactive, and I refused to be a bystander. So, I started thinking of organizing a project to spread love and kindness in those times when I felt that bigotry and hate were trying to divide us. I started this campaign to stand up for social justice, environmental sustainability, religious tolerance and human rights, and this was the time to take action in support of Native Americans, immigrants and refugees from all over the world, and women and LGBTQ rights.
On February 3, 2017, me and my friend, Hale, went to a demonstration at the Washington Monument organized by Avaaz, which is delivering a letter to Trump signed by more than 5 million people. Then, we went to the White House for a protest with Amnesty International USA to show our support for immigrants and refugees worldwide. And, we finished the night dancing with Werk for Peace as we celebrated cultural diversity in front of the Trump Hotel in DC. On that day, I shared my idea with Hale about organizing a demonstration to bring hope and share love with people who were scared, confused and full of uncertainty. A couple of days later, Hale invited me to an event she came across on Facebook, a demonstration similar to what I was trying to do, aligned with my mission: District of Love March.
On February 3, 2017, me and my friend, Hale, went to a demonstration at the Washington Monument organized by Avaaz, which is delivering a letter to Trump signed by more than 5 million people. Then, we went to the White House for a protest with Amnesty International USA to show our support for immigrants and refugees worldwide. And, we finished the night dancing with Werk for Peace as we celebrated cultural diversity in front of the Trump Hotel in DC. On that day, I shared my idea with Hale about organizing a demonstration to bring hope and share love with people who were scared, confused and full of uncertainty. A couple of days later, Hale invited me to an event she came across on Facebook, a demonstration similar to what I was trying to do, aligned with my mission: District of Love March.
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Interested in participating in this march, I found out that Berenice Pernalete, a DC resident from Venezuela, started the idea of District Luv right after the election. She took the versatile DC flag and made a logo with safety pins and hearts, symbols of inclusion and unity.
With the help of her friends, Berenice began to print t-shirts with this logo, with the idea of donating all profits to local D.C. organizations that promote diversity, inclusion, and human rights: DC Fair Food, Many Languages One Voice and United Workers of Washington, DC. |
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In December 2016, A small group of D.C. community members got together and started District of Love. They decided to organize a march to celebrate and promote diversity in their neighborhoods. The goal of the DC Love March was to stand in solidarity with D.C’s incredibly diverse communities and to send the message "whoever you are, wherever you are from, we stand together as neighbors."
The District Luv t-shirts became the official t-shirts for the District of Love March scheduled for March 11th in Washington D.C.
On February 23, 2017, I contacted one of the march's organizer, Scott Goldstein, and I shared my intentions to sponsor their efforts to promote love and inclusiveness. And that's how this beautiful collaboration started. Scott told us that we could have a table at the end of the march to share our mission.
The District Luv t-shirts became the official t-shirts for the District of Love March scheduled for March 11th in Washington D.C.
On February 23, 2017, I contacted one of the march's organizer, Scott Goldstein, and I shared my intentions to sponsor their efforts to promote love and inclusiveness. And that's how this beautiful collaboration started. Scott told us that we could have a table at the end of the march to share our mission.
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In order to promote the Love March, I contacted our friends from El Zol 107.9 FM, who have interviewed me in the past about Autism and the Occupy Movement. They gave me the opportunity to share my message with their listeners and invite the Hispanic community in the Washington DC area to join us to celebrate our diversity. I recorded the interview on March 4, 2017, and it aired the following day on the "Tu Familia Zol" show.
The march's organizers invited me to participate in their last meeting before the march. On March 7, 2017, Hale and I had the pleasure to meet Scott, Liz, Kate, Mandy, Karen and Berenice. We went through the program of events as they finished the last minute organization. Hale suggested that I could be the chant leader since we have chanted on the several marches we had been together. It was awesome to be part of such a great group of caring individuals. As the march was approaching, I started to organize Taking Actions participation during the march and our table. I invited my friends, Irma and Alma, to come along with Hale and I as we march for love, equality and inclusiveness. |
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On March 11, 2017, Alma, Hale, Irma and I went to the starting point at Emery Recreational Center, where we gathered before the march. It was a very cold day (about 24°F), so many were unable to wear red as we had planned. But, we brought red beads to pass around.
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We started marching at 11am down on Georgia Avenue. We stopped at Petworth Metro to get more people to join us, and then we continued to Bruce Monroe Park where we had musician Lilo Gonzalez, singer Nylah Plummer, poet Zein-Amine, and speaker Mr. T from Kokek Ethiopian business.
From Bruce Monroe Park, Irma and Alma went directly to the African-American Civil War Memorial to set up the table so it would be ready by the time the march would arrive. There, we had the closing celebration with musical group Elena y Los Fulanos, Ethiopian dance performance, poet Charity Blackwell, musician Isma, and Wanda and Work it Studios. 
We had an amazing time with District of Love and District Luv. We marched about 3 miles with our neighbors, spreading love and celebrating diversity and inclusiveness. It was a great demonstration of solidarity and community. At our table, we met great individuals and local businesses; we shared our mission and discussed possible collaborations.
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A special thank you to the dedicated organizers, volunteers, sponsors, entertainers, marchers, and everyone involved in this inspiring demonstration of love. It was an honor to be part of this event. This is what America looks like!
The government does not rule us, and this administration does not represent the majority of the American people. We, the people, have the power to make a difference. It is our responsibility to stand up for our rights and values. What we allow will continue. We have to resist those who try to divide us, and reject fear and hatred. It is our human duty to love and protect each other. When they attack one of us, they are attacking all of us. Not only we have to continue marching and protesting, but we must take actions. Even when you think you cannot do much, remember that every action counts, and together we can make a big impact. I thank and support those who have stood in solidarity with our fellow brothers and sisters through the different demonstrations worldwide. Seeing thousands of people coming together should remind us that we are all in this together. We cannot underestimate the power of activism. Do not give up, and never doubt that we can make a change. Solidarity forever! Much love, AJ
