Yesterday, I attended the Women’s March in Philadelphia. It was a historic event to witness. I did not have kids with me. It was such a friendly crowd, I worked my way up to the front line behind the gate. I watched the inspiring speakers and took some notes. #womensmarchphiladelphia

Emily Morse, one of the local organizers, is a mom of three and full time worker who is going to Villanova at night for further education. A sexual assault survivor, she thought, “We cannot accept this.” Emily read about the DC women’s march, noticed many of her local friends wanted to attend and bring their children, so she decided to launch a march in Philly.

Morse launched a Facebook page for the Philly March, which turned out to be 50,000 strong. “Women’s rights are human rights. Demand equality for womanhood. This movement won’t be stopped,” she told the crowd.

Raising the wage was mentioned by many of the speakers, including Donna Bullock, a representative for the 195th District at Pa House of Representatives.

Salima Susswell, an Advisory Board member for the Council on American Islamic Relations – Philadelphia Chapter, said God’s plan is superior to that of man. Her local chapter vows to fight vs. oppression against Muslims, who comprise 250,000 in Philly alone. Susswell spoke about standing vs. hate crimes and vicious rhetoric.  

Brenda Dunston, mother of slain Sandra Bland, spoke of her need to close a painful chapter in her life. Her daughter was a 28-year-old African American woman who died in a Waller County, Texas jail cell in 2015. Bland’s family won a settlement in a wrongful death civil lawsuit. Dunston will be going on a 40 city tour nationwide to promote her book and calling.  

Malcolm Kenyatta, political commentator and member engagement coordinator for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, was another rousing speaker. “The battle will be hard, but now is the time to endure. The value of equality will endure,” he said.

Kenyatta said they will not be silent when you could become bankrupt if you got sick without healthcare coverage.

Terri Matthews of Jaden’s Voice advised Hillary Clinton on her autism policies. Jaden’s Voice is a non-profit that offers support for autistic children and their families. “We stand here because our children mean something,” Matthews said. She added that families are dying (committing suicide) because no one cares about their concerns.

City councilwoman Helen Gym spoke about marching for those rebuilding the city public schools, fighting for higher wages and immigrant rights and defending Muslims. Gym noted that they fight against Comcast’s opposition of the city’s pay equity bill. This bill aims to curb hiring discrimination, particularly for women and minorities, and would prevent employers from asking job applicants about past salaries.

Nellie Fitzpatrick, Director of LGBT Affairs for the city, appeared with her wife, and spoke of the city’s efforts to fight discrimination against LGBT individuals. She said violence against transgender people has to stop.