By Deandra Du
Editor In Chief
On Jan. 21, several Gabrielino High School students participated in the Women’s March Los Angeles, a city-wide protest for the human rights of women, LGBTQ individuals, immigrants, and people of color.
The event, held in downtown Los Angeles, attracted at least 750,000 people, according to NBC Southern California. Political scientists estimate that, nationwide, the protests made up the largest demonstration in United States history.
The morning of the march, senior Natalie Lee witnessed the magnitude of the occasion while traveling downtown via the Metro Gold Line. According to Lee, the trains were so crowded, people could not get on or off at the stops.
“I’ve been to multiple protests after the election,” stated Lee, “and this is one of the slower ones because the flow of movement was almost nonexistent […] there were just so many people!”
The crowd of protestors was diverse, composed of “kids, grandparents, transgender women, and even men marching for equality,” according to sophomore Sofia Ramirez who also attended the march.
Seniors Cris Gatliff and Justin Mayorga were among the numerous men present at the event. While they came separately, both agreed that the powerful cheers and chants made up their most memorable moments.
“Hearing so many men in support of the women beside them [got me in the spirit],” said Gatliff. “[It’s crazy how] it takes a couple million people to fight for basic rights that should be [inherent].”
The day was also an opportunity to protest the inauguration of President Donald Trump the day prior, which left sophomore Catherine Ely and senior Evelyn Xiong skeptical of how the new administration would protect the rights being fought for.
Still, protestors were grateful to pursue their activism in a “safe, welcoming environment,” stated Xiong.
“Even if the election of Trump has made us feel divided politically,” explained Ely, “[it’s inspiring to know] we still have the ability to come together and act peacefully.”
Indeed, The Independent reported that not a single arrest was made at the Los Angeles march.
The Women’s March, originally based in Washington D.C., held Sister Marches in 60 countries on all seven continents. According to USA Today, approximately 2.6 million people attended the protests worldwide.
“It was amazing to see everyone connected over a common goal,” stated sophomore Kevin Pham. “It wasn’t just a march or protest. It was a unity event.”
