Thousands of women gathered in Detroit recently for a three-day convention, “Reclaiming Our Time,” where many joined a fired-up Rep. Maxine Waters chanting “Impeach 45.” Waters also gave a speech that electrified the room during which she took square aim at a president who she says does not respect the rights or personhood of women.
But the real reason for the gathering was to consider what steps women in the U.S. should take following the massive worldwide women’s marches that took place on President Trump’s first full day in office.
Participants say they want to do more in what has quickly become an energized resistance movement of women who want gender equality, are interested in running for political office or want to do more to help rebuild their communities.
Some may recall the Virginia Slims commercial that aired during the 1970s that proclaimed, “We’ve come a long way, baby.” But as the evidence clearly shows, women have not come as far as they would like, or should have come by now. That’s why grassroots efforts are becoming so important in the ongoing quest for women’s rights.
In many communities, including Blacks, it’s been women who have done the dirty work, have labored into the wee hours of the night and have served as the foundation of families and movements. Indeed, the hands that rock the cradle remain a resource that can never be replaced.
Where would we be without the sacrifices of our mothers, our grandmothers, our sisters, aunts and the “women next door” who while, not a biological mother, adopted dozens of youth from her neighborhood and shared her love with children in need hugs and encouragement?
Women must continue to march and make their voices be heard. And men must join them. After all, we are all members, equal partners, in the human race, aren’t we?