In the spirit of solidarity, I want to invite you to consider a perspective that might be outside your own experience. Picture yourself as the only white person in your neighborhood or at your workplace. Envision your child being the sole white student in a classroom. Imagine colleagues questioning your competence, attributing your success to affirmative action, and overlooking your contributions in favor of your partner, whose race commands more respect. The reality is that this exercise, while thought-provoking, cannot truly encapsulate the systemic disenfranchisement faced by people of color.
As a white individual, you may find yourself in a minority status within your community, yet you still belong to a demographic that retains political, economic, and social power in this country. Even if you are struggling financially or belong to the LGBTQ+ community, the privilege of being a part of the ruling class allows you to navigate spaces without the same barriers that individuals of color face daily.
It’s essential to recognize that the foundations of this nation were built on exclusionary practices that systematically marginalized communities of color. For instance, Portland, Oregon, where I reside, only saw integrated housing come into play in 1948. Prior to that, Black individuals were outright banned from living in the city. Even after so-called integration, practices like redlining perpetuated segregation, a situation echoed in communities across the nation.
The aftermath of these discriminatory practices has led to gentrification, a phenomenon where neighborhoods once vibrant with Black and Brown communities are transformed into upscale areas catering to wealthier, predominantly white residents. The result? Long-standing residents are often displaced from homes they have inhabited for generations, as their neighborhoods become unaffordable.
On January 21, 2017, I will join thousands of women from my community in a march that resonates with millions across the country. We will stand united to affirm our rights to self-determination and resist any forces that threaten those rights.
The recent discourse surrounding the Women’s March highlights the importance of intersectional feminism, a concept that some—particularly white women—struggle to grasp. They question why it is necessary to center the voices of marginalized women instead of merely uniting as women. This perspective illustrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the truth articulated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Until all are free, none are free.”
The Women’s March’s national platform echoes this sentiment: “We believe Gender Justice is Racial Justice is Economic Justice.” Our goal is to foster a society where women, especially those from marginalized backgrounds—Black, Native, immigrant, Muslim, queer, and trans—can nurture their families in safe, healthy environments free from systemic barriers.
I march for my grandmother, who marched alongside Dr. King in 1965 for school integration in Boston. I march for my mother, who faced hostility as a child integrating an all-white school. I march for my own child, who still risks attending segregated schools over half a century later.
I stand in solidarity with families striving for affordable housing, with mothers wrestling with childcare costs, and with childcare providers, many of whom are women of color earning inadequate wages. I march for women of color who disproportionately experience violence, especially queer and trans women.
The issues of violence, education, and housing affect all women, yet the systemic racism embedded in these challenges means that women of color often face steeper obstacles. Recognizing this disparity is crucial for genuine feminist practice.
It is vital for white feminists to acknowledge that not all women experience oppression in the same way. Historically, women of color have been at the forefront of their own liberation movements, often sidelined in mainstream feminism. Today’s white feminists must recognize this legacy and commit to an intersectional approach—because if feminism isn’t inclusive, it loses its purpose.
To white individuals, this is your moment to engage. The fight against white supremacy cannot rest solely on the shoulders of people of color. Teach your children to be anti-racist, challenge any color-blind philosophies, and embrace diversity. Address racism whenever you encounter it and reflect on your own privileges. Only white individuals can dismantle white violence.
Let’s unite to forge a just and equitable society for everyone.
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In summary, the march embodies a commitment to intersectional feminism, advocating for the rights and recognition of all women while addressing the unique challenges faced by women of color. It’s a call to unite and create a more equitable society, recognizing the systemic barriers that persist in our communities.