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This page is dedicated to the women who worked so hard to make this March a reality |
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WELCOME TO MY MILLION WOMAN MARCH EXPERIENCE
THEY SAID IT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN
THEY THOUGHT IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN
BUT IT DID!!! |
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WE CAME AND WE WERE THERE!!! |
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A lot of us went to the March and have many reflections of events that took place. In my own humble way, I will try to create a picture of the events that led to the Most Magnificant March for Black Women!!! |
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WE ORGANIZED: |
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Josephine Hill
State Coordinator |
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Thursday Night Organizing Meetings |
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Finally, we boarded the buses and were on our way!!! |
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Many Sistahs attended those Thursday night meetings, and I can say a majority never missed one!! To raise money for the March, at each meeting we took up a collection, we had T-Shirts and buttons designed and we sold them, we solicited money from our legislators and other leaders. We had sponsorships for Sistahs who could not afford to pay on the bus. It was hard work and we did not get the support that we should have, especially from our Brothers who we supported during the Million Man March but that is another issue that I will address at a later time. We even had the Sisters who birth the idea of a Million Woman March come to Milwaukee. They were really impressed with the effort we put forth. We did get support from organizations like Harambee, The Black Historical Society/Musuem, the YWCA and I even got a whooping $30.00 donation from my alderman (WOW). It was a beautiful organizing effort, still we did have problems of people not following through on their committment, but we prevailed. On those nights after the meetings, The State Coordinator, Josephine Hill, Volunteer Coordinator, Barbara White, Treasurer, Gwen Eschetu, Bus Coordinator, Jackie Trice, Office Manager, Margie Reed and me the City Coordinator, would stay to strategize our next move, count money, check sponsors and put out fires. I think no one was happier when the March was finally over than we were just to get some peace. But I am sure that our efforts were appreciated by every Sistah who attended that March and those who couldn't go but supported the effort.
We had three buses leaving Milwaukee, with Sistah from Beloit, WI going to Philadelphia for the Million Woman March on October 25, 1997. We had food on all the buses, enough for everyone but still at each stop, Sistahs wanted to spend money on fast food, we are so conditioned!! We initially had problems with seating even though we had tried to plan for it, some Sistahs decided that they wanted to ride on particular buses instead of the assigned bus, so we accommadated them even though it meant some buses were filled to capacity and others weren't. Oh well, in spite of that it was a wonderful experience. Our bus drivers were very courteous and professional. The buses were from Free Spirit Bus Lines owned by Reverend Kenneth Bonner of Free Spirit Baptist Church. Along the way there were vendors heading us off on the path. Now, that is what I call hustlin'!! |
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WE all need our memories don't we? You certainly can't blame a Sistah for that!! |
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We arrived in Philadelphia on time with little problems. Upon our arrival, again we had problems, even though we had planned it to a tee with the room assignments, but the people at the hotels were gracious and helped us as much as they could. We finally were settled in our rooms, some of us, even after the long ride had the energy to sightsee, but I was too tired and all I wanted todo was chill. The day finally arrived and we were suppose to go as a contingent but it did not turn out that way, so my little group struck out on their own. Along the way we saw Sistahs from everywhere, representing their cities and states. Everyone was smiling and in such good spirits in spite of the gloomy day. I was so happy I had my daughter, Maxine, who was 17 at the time along with her friend, Tawanna to share this time with me. It was a sight for these young minds to behold and I know it left and impression on them. They were there from the beginning, they sold candy at their school to raise money for the march, they did whatever they could to help us make this March a success.
I would like to take this time to thank ALL the youth who participated in the March. |
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We made it to Philadelphia, spent our money, met other Sistahs, and made some connections. I am still in touch with women from other states that I met at the March. I guess the bottom line for Women of African Descent on October 25, 1997 was this: BEING A BLACK WOMAN IS TO BE BEAUTIFUL no matter what walk of life we come from and to think that we have been saying this forever, but I guess on this day it was a unified voice. |
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Even today, October 13, 2002, almost five years to the day, I still have vivid memories of the MILLION WOMAN MARCH and I want to thank all the Black/African women from around the country and the world who allowed me to share this very special day with them.
This is the first time my blood sister, Anita and I shared anything on the positive and we really enjoyed every minute of this wonderful day.
May we have many more to come!! |
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Ifama and Anita, Goin Home!!
October 25, 1997 |
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