That’s Jacque in the hat kneeling in the front center, between Murray, left, and DelBene. Jayapal is to Murray’s left and Larsen is standing behind Jacque and DelBene.
Pub. Note: BrandQuery principal Jacque Beamer was among the thousands who participated in the post-inaugural Women’s March on Washington. Here is her report.
By Jacque Beamer
Prior to the presidential election, I became excited that I might finally see a woman running our country. I wanted to experience history, so I booked three days in DC during the inauguration. Then the election came, and I was in shock, as were many others. Two days later, the announcement for a Women’s March made its way into Facebook. I immediately made plans to participate.
Leading up to the march, my wife, Julie Blazek (to left of Jayapal in photo above), and I were featured on the front page of the Skagit Valley Herald. This was followed by an interview on KOMO-TV news with Lee Stoll. So many reached out to us in support, including a woman who knitted the pink Pussy Hats for us, and provided eight more to hand to those who marched and didn’t have one. This enabled us to reach out and engage with other marchers…on the plane…in the airport…on the subway… and during the march.
We arrived at the rally meeting at Spirit Park with a delegation of Washington State marchers, hosted by Senator Patty Murray and Representatives Suzan DelBene, Pramila Jayapal and Rick Larsen from the Washington congressional delegation.
From the park we left the group and headed into what was becoming a large gathering. Movement became difficult, however moods were the most joyous I had seen since before the election. As a brand and marketing professional, the signs were the best I’ve ever been witness to.
If there ever was a march that was branded, this was it. The Pink Pussy Hat project started as a way for women who could not attend to be part of the march. Knitters from all around the country contributed hats, all in the same shape, but in a variety of colors and patterns. Women who were to march were easily identified by their hats in airports and on planes converging in DC. You can see these hats in any of the photos at any of the marches here in our country and around the world.
Although we didn’t see all the speakers, we met and experienced something that will remain close to my heart.
The march was to have begun at 1pm. But the original route was redirected, due to the tremendous crowd. I believe we began marching about 3:30. It was exciting, it was historical and it was incredibly peaceful. There was chanting and there was quiet, but most of all, there was solidarity. Old, young, women and men.
The majority of the marchers were there in support of women, and there were others there for the causes of greatest concern to them. We came away with a true sense that the majority of issues protested are the issues of great concern to women and children—the future of our country.
What we experienced is a new normal, at least for a (hopefully) short period. We will see more women getting involved in politics like no other time in our recent history. I think so many of us are tired of trusting others to do right by us; it’s our time!
Beamer in front of the U.S. Capitol. When asked if she aspired to be a member of the U.S. Congress someday, she replied, “I might have plans…”