Why Did I March?

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Tracey Wasinger, Special Education Teacher

To the student body,

Why Did I March? On Saturday, Jan. 21, people from around the world came together to remind us of our duty to humanity. Our duty to pass on a better world to our children. It wasn’t about just one person, though there were those in attendance who may have felt that way. For myself, it was a reminder that the world outside my protected little bubble NEEDS me. It needs me to think broader. It needs me to think of those outside my classroom and this school. It needs me to speak up when I believe that we as a nation could be going down the wrong path.

The leaders of the Kansas City March on Washington understood that we all come with our own story. No two stories are alike. They did not expect that we would all agree or hold the same collection of beliefs. Their purpose in gathering us all together was to say that even when we don’t agree, we commit to working together. We commit to treating others with respect and love.

Speakers at the March were varied. A student leader from a Muslim group at Kansas University spoke on the fear that has been progressively worse for her and her friends. A Jewish rabbi spoke eloquently on why he was there, missing his Sabbath. A woman who was blind spoke about advocating for those with disabilities. There were several speakers who spoke of horrific personal experiences that brought me to tears. The Mayor of Kansas City and a city councilwoman spoke and encouraged the crowd to enter the political ring and make a difference in our communities. The final speakers were advocating a higher minimum wage.

I left with a feeling of great hope for our country. There is so much good in this world. I am sure that whatever comes over the next few years, we can work together and solve our problems.

If we all try, we can make this world a better place.

Hokey? Maybe

Naive? No.

I believe in the goodness of people