Three marches. Two days. One city with one common goal — to bring awareness to a diverse array of topics in a peaceful manner.
The past weekend showcased three marches in Moscow— the Women’s March on the Palouse, the March for Life and a march in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Marching through East City Park and Friendship Square with signs in hand, hundreds of community members took to the streets.
Interspersed throughout the crowds were countless people, all joining hands in solidarity. No matter the march, the weekend marked an opportunity for the Moscow community to exist in harmony.
A deeper understanding of diversity is particularly integral to young students’ education. In an era still striving toward empathy, tolerance and acceptance, many students are being left in the dark.
Sure, college is about taking a few classes and getting a degree. But it’s also about the experience — exposing oneself to new cultures, new ways of thinking and understanding. There are few other places capable of offering the same opportunity. Understanding another person’s background allows us to better help and care for one another. This understanding allows us to be there for others in their time of need.
Marches are just one of the many outlets that allow us to see such diversity present on the Palouse. Despite their differences, they all coexisted peacefully.
We may not agree with all of the voices, but that doesn’t make them any less valuable.
On a national scale, these beliefs can often be contentious. Even peaceful outlets for raising awareness can elicit controversy.
Women’s March Inc., a national organization, has faced allegations of anti-Semitism since 2017. Despite persistent backlash, Women’s March NYC director Agunda Okeyo has kept her spirits high.
“This is not a negative day,” she said during the group’s latest march. “What we’re doing today is we’re going to uplift each other and we’re going to make sure we stay positive.”
For students who may not know where to begin, local activism is the best way to get involved. University of Idaho offers many opportunities and outlets for students to express themselves —and if that’s not enough, the Moscow community is a perfect start to better forge one’s path.
What better starting point than marching for your own beliefs while listening to the beliefs of others?
Don’t sit back and watch change unfold. Be bold, get out there and do more to share what you believe — be part of creating the change.
— Editorial Board