By Anna Sutterer  01-19-2019

Thousands took to the the streets of Washington, D.C., Saturday as part of a “Women’s Wave.” Organized by the Women’s March, the event was the third annual mass march the national organization has hosted since their first —held the day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration — rose to international acclaim.

While fewer gathered in the nation’s capitol than in previous iterations of the march, the 2019 demonstrators continued in the tradition of waving provocative signs as they passed the Trump Hotel while chanting, “This is what democracy looks like!”

Sojourners was there to ask attendees what prompted them to join this year’s march. This is what they said.

“I’m following Jesus right now,” said Laura Manson who had traveled from Dade City, Fla., to march for a third time in D.C. Now 71-years-old, she says Jesus has always set her course. “Jesus wants us to coexist, to love one another, and to make good decisions that benefit everyone.”

The Young Women’s Leadership Initiative of Forte Preparatory Academy in Queens, NY., proudly displayed their handmade posters and matching hoodies. The 13 girls thanked their teacher, Lindsey M. Williams, for creating the club and coordinating the trip.

“We’re underpaid, we don’t get recognition,” Williams said in reference to her fellow teachers. “We’re moms, we’re nurses, we’re counselors, we’re all of these things —  there’s so many women teachers that don’t get that acknowledgement.” Looking to her students she said, “I just want them to know that it’s all possible.”

The Women’s March organization has come under criticism in the past months with accusations of anti-Semitic comments and bigotry in leadership. The organization released an official statement in November assuring the public of the movement’s goals for intersectionality and respect for all.

Intentions of the national organization were outlined in the Women’s March Agenda — a 71-page document with federal policy priorities drafted by movement leaders. Among the priorities: the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, investments in autonomy for women with disabilities, an expansion of the Violence Against Women Act to include Native women, and a reduction in racial health disparities in maternal health.

“The #WomensAgenda is the first ever intersectional federal policy platform by women and for ALL people,” the official Women’s March account tweeted the day before the event. “It’s a roadmap for our movement, a workplan for our electeds, and it’s everything we’re marching for.”