Thoughts on Race related to Women’s March on Washington

I was dismayed to hear negative comments regarding the Woman’s March on Washington not from the Trump supporters but from Black Lives Matter.  A photo has been circulating on Twitter, one picture of an African-American woman confronting police in riot gear and the other of our very own Portland marchers with police taking selfies in pink hats.  The angry poster of the tweet stated, “No caption needed.” But as the wife of a former photojournalist, I can tell you a caption is ALWAYS needed.  Context writes the narrative but it seems that BLM wants to fit everything into their narrative, which seems like, “white people hate us and are privileged and all police are monsters who hate minorities.”

I felt it was important to research and caption those photos.  The photo of the African-American woman, Ieshia Evans a thirty-five year old mom and practical nurse was taken in July 2016 in Baton Rouge, La.  The two thousand protestors had been non-violent but than a large group started blocking the highway and police in riot gear were brought in.  Ieshia decided to ignore police instructions to not move forward and was subsequently arrested. Obviously she surrendered peacefully but was heard saying just prior, “I’m going to get arrested.” This was her choice, to not follow orders in full knowledge of the consequences.  I have no problem with her actions and the resulting photo is powerful but does not tell the whole story.  The police in riot gear weren’t there for her, but for those blocking the highway, to restore the flow of traffic and public safety. (I sourced this information from UK Daily Mail, NY Daily news and CNN.)

The Woman’s March on Washington had permits for their event. In my experience Saturday, it wasn’t just a march for white women; the Portland march was organized by an African-American woman and attended by all races and genders, including Black Lives Matter advocates.

The Portland event had a permit from the city and a parade route.  The photo showing women with Portland police was something I personally witnessed.  The women thanked the police for “keeping us safe” and asked to take photos with him. The officer was happy to oblige and even donned a “pussy hat.”  I thought it was great, I never noticed the skin color of those in the photo.  If you want to yell that’s because of my “white privilege” so be it, but I fear that’s missing the point.

This is just the beginning of the resistance movement against Trump and his agenda. I realize it will not always result in peaceful non-violent marches.  Arrests may happen; Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. were both arrested numerous times. Their movements succeeded, especially in King’s case is that he sought to change legislation and law of the land.  We must keep our eyes on how to successfully enact change, blocking freeways just angers and alienates people whom otherwise may have supported our cause.

I feel its important now more than ever to not divide this country any more. Especially hurtful is when women fight amongst themselves. Divided we are always weaker and that’s what the current government wants. So please, consider moving past what you feel divides us to work for the greater good before none of us enjoy any of these rights.