ZOE KIRIAZIS
Staff Writer
The Women’s March on Washington, held as a protest the day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, was the largest single-day demonstration in U.S. history — and many Fredonians who attended are now sharing their stories through a new display in Reed Library.
Dawn Eckenrode, director of professional development and associate librarian at Fredonia, was among the 500,000 people who marched in Washington D.C. Eckenrode explained how marching was meaningful not only for “advocating for basic human rights” but for her 9-year-old daughter.
“She really wanted to go with me, and the night before I was packing my bag and she’s like, ‘I made you this sign,’” Eckenrode said. The sign read “Woman Matter. It doesn’t matter what color or what size or what they look like they need respect! Its not hard.”
As a March attendee and a librarian, Eckenrode could see the historic significance of the march. “Having that digital presence, the photos and videos … I thought the physical artifacts were so meaningful, and I saw the meaning to preserve these artifacts for future generations,” she said. People were giving her their shirts, pink “pussy-hats” which many marchers wore, signs, pins and one woman even gave Eckenrode her wedding dress filled with statements signed by protestors at the march. Reed Library’s display will showcase these artifacts from Washington throughout the month of February.
Fredonia students and faculty have shared their stories about marching and have also donated to the Reed Library display.
English graduate coordinator Jeanette McVicker marched in Washington, D.C. She believes that “marches are one important way that people have communicated that something is unjust, unfair, discriminatory or harmful.” She marched with two of her colleagues, and McVicker said that once they knew other marches were happening around the globe, they knew they were part of “a larger expression of concern around the world about the state of affairs ushered in by this election.”
English professor Susan McGee commented how “intensely supportive” the march was with its “inclusive dedication.” McGee discussed the importance of the marches around the world by connecting what is being discussed in academic classes, but “beyond the walls of the university.” She said via email, “When we are able to have one-on-one conversations … we recognize each other as complex caring human beings.”
Juniors Chiara Sapia and Hannah Wagner attended the march together with friends on Washington. Sapia said that marching and being one of the 500,000 people in Washington “restored my faith in humanity.” She felt empowered walking alongside people who shared the same passions and interests. “I marched because I can march, and I marched for all the women who cannot, in hopes that someday their voices will be heard too,” she said. Some people don’t find importance in the women’s marches around the world, but Sapia said that “change is not going to happen” if there aren’t protests and various events being held.
Wagner not only attended the March on Washington, but recently also protested in Buffalo against Trump’s plans for a wall along the Mexican border. “I was able to show that I don’t condone what he stands for, and I will do everything in my power to express that.” Wagner described that change can only happen when we are together. She said that if there are people who don’t want to understand what is happening or don’t want things to change, that it’s fine. “I’ll just move onto the next person,” Wagner said.
Local Fredonia community member Francine Rondenell refuses to be silenced. “I marched in Washington because I am afraid,” she said. Rondenell said the marches are about the rights of Americans and potential national security risks. “The administration is targeting women, the LGBTQ+ community, minorities and the poor,” she said, explaining that “no one has the right to take away the freedoms of any American, regardless of race, sexual orientation, a culture of origin or disability.”
“To LISTEN” said McVicker via email, when asked what she would say to Trump about the March on Washington and around the world.
“Every bill he passes, every executive order he issues, we will be there. And if we don’t agree, we’ll be sure to let him know,” said Wagner.
Sapia said, “We aren’t going anywhere. The Women’s March on Washington was just a warm-up.”