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Marching for More Than Myself
Last weekend, I stood among thousands in our city’s downtown, holding a sign that read, “We Deserve Better.”
As a community college student juggling a full-time job, a mortgage, and raising two kids, I never imagined I’d find myself at a protest. But the recent policies affecting healthcare, education, and workers’ rights left me feeling voiceless and compelled to act.
The protest was part of the nationwide “Hands Off” movement, where citizens across the country rallied against decisions they believe threaten the fabric of our democracy.
From cuts to essential programs to attempts at silencing dissent, the reasons were many, but the message was unified: we demand to be heard.
Walking alongside teachers, healthcare workers, students, and retirees, I felt a sense of solidarity that transcended our individual struggles. We shared stories of hardships, from skyrocketing prescription costs to the challenges of remote learning for our children.
It became clear that our collective voice was our strongest asset.
Some critics argue that protests are disruptive or unproductive. However, history tells a different story. Movements like the civil rights marches and women’s suffrage protests were once seen as radical but led to significant societal changes.
