As we conclude our celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, I want to share with you a number of events this coming weekend for those of us wishing to express concerns about the direction of the new administration. Arlington Democrats have put together a set of events around the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday. I’m planning to attend all three.
We will be making signs for the march on Friday evening. We will be gathering from 6:00-9:00 pm in the basement of Clarendon Presbyterian Church, 1305 N Jackson Street. We will share fun, fellowship, and creativity as we prepare for Saturday’s march. I’m looking forward to a special visit by the founder of Color with Luna, a coloring book created to celebrate girls and empower the next generation of leaders through the power of words.
We will begin bright and early on Saturday morning at 8:00 am by marching across Memorial Bridge with other Arlingtonians. I will attend with family members and friends. Crossing the bridge should be a relatively easy walk for those who may find the larger march too long or difficult, but still want to participate. I’ve marched across Memorial Bridge before and it is a moving experience. Many marchers from Virginia will be wearing purple to represent our Commonwealth and show our unity.
Our Arlington marching party will walk on to meet up with the full Women’s March on Washington by the Capitol. The details of the main march on Saturday are still being worked out, and my plan is to use Metro to join at least part of that main march later in the day, after the morning walk across the bridge. I expect a great and inspiring experience that we’ll never forget. Arlington Democrats have put together this brochure with logistical, safety, and contact information and I recommend reading it if you are going to join.
On Sunday, I plan to attend my Quaker Meeting downtown, and then join the Commonsense Commonwealth Rally and Brunch at Mad Rose Tavern, 3100 Clarendon Boulevard in Clarendon. The organizers are planning for an uplifting wrap up to the weekend with food, affirmative messages from Virginia leaders including both Democratic gubernatorial candidates, and music from local bands. The event runs from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and is free admission, but space is limited so please RSVP to secure your place.
I hope this information is helpful. I have long appreciated your involvement in our democratic processes, and the change that we have been able to create here in Arlington. As Dr. King said, “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom.”
