Why I Marched: Soror Katie Curiel
Note: This is part of an ongoing series of reflections about the recent marches and protests from Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. sisters.
The Women’s March on Washington was a collective of diverse voices from around the world standing up against tyranny, oppression, and injustice, and standing up for equality, happiness, hope, and quality of life for all. It symbolized the recognition of the amazing importance and respect that all women of all intersectionalities deserve. It symbolized the way in which equality and respect for half of humanity means equality and respect for all of humanity. It recognized the amazing nature of women and how many of the world’s problems can be solved by treating women as we all deserve — with respect, love, and honor. It allowed a space for all people who feel oppressed or not represented — LGBTQIA, ethnic minority, immigrant, Muslim, etc. — to unite under one common voice to be heard loud and clear that we won’t stand for less. That when they go low, we go high. It was also a reminder of what American democracy and participation of the people can look like — that their threats to our world, country, and unity will not be tolerated or easily attained. Being a part of the march means that I stand for peace, respect, and positive progress, and I believe in dignity and unity for all people.
Experiencing the march in the nation’s capital was unforgettable, healing, and motivating. Being a part of the largest march in U.S. history, among over 1 million very diverse people representing a range of causes was historic and honorable. The founders and freedom fighters throughout U.S. history would be proud to see so many people uniting under the cause of hope, humanity and authentic democratic mobilization. The march was also extremely peaceful and respectful like I had never experienced before in such a large gathering, from the marchers, to organizers, to public safety officials, and nearly no anti-protesters. Being a part of the march meant being a part of what’s right and being a part of significant history that our children and grandchildren will probably learn about — a model for unity despite difference.
Being among my TNX sisters also gave me fulfillment of purpose and strength in true unity. I have always thought that the coexistence that exists among TNX sisters is life-changing, a force of continued unity and strength in our individual darkest times, and a catalyst for change with all those we interact with. I have also yet to see unity exist in the “real world” that we achieve in our sorority, although it’s not utopian. We are a living example of unity, coexistence and embracing difference that is a beam of hope for humanity. Theta Nu Xi’s existence is a catalyst for positive progress in our globalizing, techno-focused, ever-changing world.
With all that we have seen before and after the presidential inauguration, we must support each other as sisters in our individual and collective struggles, using our skills and sisterhood as a conduit for others to live out peace for all. We need not let the madness and oppression get us down, but instead be fuel that ignites our fires to continue our involvement in the democratic process, sharing valid information, perspectives and resources with others in all aspects of our lives, and continue to always fight for what’s right. In the end, it counts and we will make a change. The dominating threats to the story of America and more broadly, the story of humanity, are very real. With everyone’s individual and collective involvement, action, hope and love — most importantly, sisterhood — we can be the change we want to see in the world.
ONE love.
Soror Katie Curiel works in Washington, D.C. as a senior international educator and global development professional at The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. She is dedicated to increasing quality of life, peace, and understanding globally through increasing the access and quality of education to people worldwide, especially for historically disadvantaged communities. She crossed into Theta Nu Xi during Fall 2004 into the Tau Chapter at Arizona State University in Phoenix/Tempe, Arizona.
