Million Woman March needed to change lives

By Gus Bode

I am disheartened by the March Home editorial in Thursday’s Daily Egyptian. Before we begin attacking the efforts of thousands of African-American women who want to see change and are willing to set the wheels in motion to achieve it, let’s consider the facts.

Change begins with one small deed to make the world a better place. True, there are many ills within the black community that seem insurmountable. But we cannot be content to just talk. Talk is cheap, we must take action.

Some say a march is a waste of time and energy and will have no impact. I disagree. The fact is, you have to start somewhere. And the sad part is that no matter what you do, there will be someone, somewhere, ready to say that it is not enough. If you don’t believe me, then take a look at history and the civil rights movement. There was march, after march, after march, until finally society began to listen. Repeated marching doesn’t decrease effectiveness. It offers hope and inspiration and promotes unity. I’d like to know where we would be if Martin had said, This is a waste of time.

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We have an opportunity to show the world we do care about what goes on in our own communities we are ready to take account for our situation in society and the things we do that further cause self-defeat.

Saturday, I will be wasting my time in Philly marching alongside countless mothers, sisters, daughters and wives who are willing to dedicate just a little time and effort to figuring out what needs to be done and how we can go about doing it. For all those who can’t see the meaning and hope behind the Million Woman March, remember if you’re not part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem.

Sure, we have a long road ahead, but at least we are ready to get on that road and start marching toward a new and better tomorrow, instead of sitting around with pen in hand further hindering the cause.

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