Darren
“You lived ninety-nine years of a fulfilling life as a black woman in a country that hasn’t always been kind. You raised four exceptional children, including my father, and you always put others before you. I march for you, Grandma, and the millions of women like you!”
My name is Darren. I live in the Atlanta, Georgia, metro area, and I am a chef for a technology company. I am passionate about food, music, and progressive issues.
What are your fears and concerns for yourself and for the country at this time?
As an American of African descent who is over 50 and as a child who grew up in the 70s and early 80s, I fear that many social programs that my extended family members rely on will be cut. I also fear that the steps that were taken by activists of the 60s, 70s, and 80s to ensure equal treatment and access to social programs — regardless of gender and race and, recently, sexual orientation — are at risk, which puts all Americans at risk.
I’m also dismayed at how women, who work as hard as (and often harder than) men don’t receive equal pay as their male counterparts and are easily dismissed. This has been reported about many times but has never changed, and something needs to done about it!
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
I have had the same hope and dreams since I heard Dr. King’s speech during the March on Washington when I was in elementary school. I don’t want to sound cliché, but in my country where women, people of color, and my gay sisters and brothers are treated like they don’t matter, especially through the past election cycle, my hope is that his dream is achieved fully — and no longer in small doses.
Do you have any reservations about attending the March?
Absolutely none, fired up and ready to go!
Why are you planning to participate in the Women’s March?
To support women in their demands for equal rights, equal opportunity, and respect. My grandmother will be 100 years old this April (God willing). I march for her; for my other late grandmother and my mother, who with my father helped shape my political beliefs; and for my four wonderful daughters.*
What do you hope the Women’s March on Washington will achieve?
I have hope that the powers that be in Washington see us — I mean really see us! I hope that they understand that we won’t accept their stranglehold on our government and that they will see that America thrives with our mothers and daughters in the front of the bus.
*Interviewers note: Darren’s grandmother, Evelyn, passed away on Friday January 13, 2017, just hours after I received Darren’s interview. Darren subsequently added the tribute to Evelyn that appears at the top of this page.
[Editor’s note: This interview was conducted via email.]
