Nearly 1.1 million women: One movement. That is how many women attended the second annual Women’s March all over the United States on January 20. There were marches held in New York City, Washington D.C, Los Angeles, and hundreds of other cities. Women and men all over the country gathered to protest. These included impeachment of Trump, fighting for women and workers’ rights, immigration reform, reproduction rights, LGBTQ rights, and natural environment reforms.

This year I had the amazing opportunity to go to the NYC march and see history in the making. The vibe was incredible and it was overall a great experience. Seeing protesters stand up for what they believe in and feeling so strongly about something felt empowering.

There were also many guest speakers who came to show their support and give speeches to the crowd. One guest speaker who was at the march was the popular singer Halsey. Halsey spoke out about rape and assault, and read a poem shining a light on the harsh reality of rape. She impacted people all over the globe with this speech. A line from Halsey’s speech that really impacted the audience was, “Listen, listen and then yell at the top of your lungs. Be a voice for all those who have prisoner tongues. For the people who had to grow up way too young, there is work to be done. There are songs to be sung. Lord knows there’s a war to be won.”

A little girl’s life will forever change if she sees a role model speak up for what is right. Some women and men even brought their young children. While I was there, I met one little boy who was 3 years old, wearing a shirt that said “I am 3 and a half years old and I love my two mommies!”

Another little boy was holding a sign that said “Proud son of an immigrant! Protect our dreamers!” It was amazing to see everyone sticking together and strangers who have known each other for an hour dance and laugh for hours.

Overall, the 2018 Women’s March made history. Millions of people marched across the country to stand up for what they believe in. U.S Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon attended the march in Los Angeles this year. “It was just everybody coming together, and I just felt never more a part of such a great community,” he said in an interview with USA Today. Strong men and women will continue to march every year until they get the equality they are seeking.