Not just a Women's March

By Ellie Haveman

staff writer

On Saturday, January 21st, an estimated 2.9 million people came together advocating women’s rights, resulting in the biggest protest in U.S. history. Many people from near and far came together to make a statement at the Women’s March, including students from Northview. 

With a total of 673 sister marches around the world, including locations like Chicago and Detroit, Northview juniors Kayla Potter and Caitlyn Bilkovsky, decided to make the trip out to Washington D.C.. Known as the Women’s March, this protest stood mostly for women’s rights, but also stood for the rights other minority groups. “I think it was mainly about showing the government that women are worthy and you can’t just push us aside,” Bilkovsky said.

In history, protests have made a huge difference in the way our nation runs, like the civil rights movement from 1954-1968, which in the end, gave more rights to African Americans. Yet there have also been protests that haven’t made significant changes. In 1863, the New York City Draft Riot took place for three days. At this time, citizens could make a payment of $300 to opt out of the draft. The riot that  ensued resulted in the death of 2,000 civilians and no change the draft at the time. 

There is the question on the true impact of the Women’s March. Bilkovsky speculated that there would be a positive outcome, “Not only was it the largest peaceful protest in the world, but it was a protest on all seven continents and there were so many people who were willing to go to these things and support this cause. The fact that so much support went into one topic shows that something needs to change.” 

Both Potter and Bilkovsky described the range of people at the march as truly diverse and the atmosphere “humbling.” It was one of the most polite crowds they had ever witnessed. Although officially titled the “Women’s March”, this wasn’t just about gender. Many races, religions, and ages were present, demonstrating to the world that these issues have value for all Americans.  

Photo courtesy of Caitlyn Bilkovsky 

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