As I got up this morning listening to the appropriate "Black is King" soundtrack from Disney's "The Lion King," I couldn't help but smile as I put on my Black Lives Matters crop top, slipped on my black sweats and laced my sneakers. Double masked, I was out the door for a 15 minute strut to the meeting location for the march. Only to find out the information was wrong. I waited patiently away from the crowd for my Lyft who was now 6 minutes away. I was getting to this march. Come hell or high water.

The People
As I walked up to the protest, I could see thousands upon thousands of people patiently waiting for the next speaker. It was a sea of beauty. People from all walks of life coming together in solidarity for the “March in Washington 2020” coordinated by the National Action Network. The pandemic nor hot weather kept thousands from traveling near and far. My journey from New York City began yesterday. However, there were a slew of free buses from cities across the map allowing supporters to participate for little to no cost at all.

It Was Peaceful
The positive energy was consistent. Even while the sun scorched down on the crowd. There were chants and cheers of "Black Lives Matters!" periodically throughout the day. A number of speakers spoke vigorously with the same notion. Change must happen and we demand it. The importance of voting was high on the list of topics covered. Nearly every speaker touched on the subject.

"If you don’t know Maya (Angelou) then maybe you know Migos, walk it like you talk it."
Pastor Jamal Bryant

The March
It was not a far walk. The events began as early as 7 am, with the program rendering on at 11 am. The actual march began around 2 pm. It began about an hour behind schedule. We didn't mind. As we walked, the chants invigorated the crowd. Bullhorns and live drumbeats filled the air and we sung along. This is not my first march. I'm active in my own community in New York City. However, today I marched with upwards of 80,000 people. Every race, group, and gender was present and accounted for. We took out steps in unison. With our fists raised and clapped hands. Water pallets were left on the path for those to drink and for all who needed. First responders were on standby in case of medical emergencies. I can't stress how warm it was. But, I could only imagine the temperature 57 years ago today when the first march took place. And here we are, 57 years later, still marching.

Peaceful Protest
The protesting for the weekend has just begun. Cities across the United States will host their own marches and rallies in support of Black Lives Matters. It is our right to do so. Protesting allows for our voices to be heard collectively and actively. Holding accountable the law makers and law breakers. Unfortunately, too often they are one and the same.

Covid-19
The instructions for the march was everyone needed to wear a mask. For the most part, those guidelines were met. It was a struggle to maintain proper 6-ft distance. Hand sanitizer were freely dispersed and temperature checks were performed throughout the event. People were cognizant of personal space and maintained order. 

Say Their Names
Today we called out the names of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Elijah McClain, Jacob Blake and a host of others. I don't want to think of anyone else to add to the ever growing list. The issue of police violence is an ever growing problem in need of valuable solutions. We will seek and implement those solutions. We will march and step until change is made. We will vote and hold accountable those who abuse their power. We will let freedom ring.

Lincoln
We perched and mounted at the Lincoln memorial today, Aug 28, 2020. 57 years ago Dr. Martin Luther King lead the same cause for equality on Aug 28, 1963. 100 years before Dr. King, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation deeming all slaves free in 1863. The race continues. We aren't tired. We have a ways to go. We will get it done. 

For more information about the National Action Network click here.