“Marching Forward” is a new series of guest blogs about the demonstrations, protests, and women’s marches that happened during Inauguration Weekend.

I asked women, and women-identifying people, of color if they felt about the march, whether they felt that the march – which initially lacked representation by women of color in leadership roles – met their expectations, and ways that they think people can use the momentum of the weekend to make changes in their community. If you would like to contribute your experiences, please use this form. #WOCMarchingForward

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by Jessica Jacobo, who participated in the demonstrations in Washington, D.C.

My experience at the DC march was an encouraging one. I was fully aware of the criticisms regarding the representation of women of color and trans women and had my own skepticism about attending. Once I was there, though, I was immediately moved by both the number and diversity of the attendees. No movement is perfect and there is still SO much work to do. But I wanted to be there to represent those whose voices need to be heard.

“I wanted to be there to represent those whose voices need to be heard.”

As a woman of color, I did feel like my voice was heard – simply by me just being there. It didn’t feel like we were doing much at first since we couldn’t actually march, but to be a part of a group of about 1 million women and men in DC alone, to be fighting for our rights as human beings, to be a part of something much bigger than myself, was priceless.

“I want to use the material (among others) to better equip myself to have those uncomfortable conversations with people I may not necessarily agree with.”

I’m planning to use the momentum from the march to work on myself first. I truly believe education is the key to life. I have a few books on my reading list (specifically by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ta-Nehisi Coates!) and I want to use the material (among others) to better equip myself to have those uncomfortable conversations with people I may not necessarily agree with.

I am also an artist and am looking forward to using my passion as a learning tool and outlet for the youth. I think others should read more as well and not just rely on one source of information. I also think more people should use their talents (with the arts, entrepreneurship, sports, science, whatever it may be) to make this world a better and safer place for everyone.

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Thank you Jessica for sharing your experience! Use #WOCMarchingForward on social media to share you experiences on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.