12-13-14: NYC Millions March (By: Kimani Sherrill)

By: Kimani Sherrill, contributing intern

12.13.14, a day that will forever go down in history – not just because it is the last sequential date we will see in our lifetime – but also because it was the day that thousands of people gathered together for a cause.

On this day, people of all different races came together to support and protest for the #BlackLivesMatter cause. The Millions March took place in New York City on Saturday, December 13, 2014. Seeing all of the beautiful faces and people here for the same reason was a very amazing experience.

During the last few months, the justice system has angered many people in the results of the unfortunate events that took place with Michael Brown and Eric Gardner. Due to the high profile cases of both incidents and the verdict not ending in the favor of the people, protests have erupted throughout the country and into the streets.

Many celebrities including Q-Tip, Nas, Russell Simmons, and Spike Lee marched with the people. There were many different signs in the air while people chanted “Hands up don’t shoot” and “No Justice, No Peace” with passion in their hearts and voice. Today millions were protesting that we must see change.

photo credit: @millionsmarchnyc

Is this history repeating itself?

Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, our ancestors and many others fought for the right for everyone to live in a world with equality; yet these past few months show that there is more work to be done and as a people we must continue to fight for ourselves and the next generation.

As an African American woman, I felt it was my duty to march today. Not only for myself, but for my younger siblings and my future children. I want them to know that they matter and that they are valued no matter what the world may want them to think. I also want them to know that we are still kings and queens. It is our blood that is in the soil of this land – and if we continue to unite – we can be unstoppable.

Despite all the things they say about our people, today helped restore my faith in humanity. I have faith that one day we will come together and be great !

photo credit: @millionsmarchnyc