The culmination of Kinyata Jackson’s March for Black Women came to fruition this last Saturday, Sept. 29. Black women came together on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol to celebrate the black experience and mobilize against oppression facing the black community. Jackson is a local organizer, small business owner and activist who planned the last March for Black Women in 2017. This year’s agenda focused on expanding conversations about injustice that black women face, and in particular, sexual abuse, youth violence and deportation of black and brown women.

Jackson wanted to emphasize the importance of giving everyone a chance to be heard, especially those whose voices might have been drowned out in other marches. She stated that “The voice of those most impacted by the issues that are being fought for get suppressed by the voice of the majority.” She went on to say that the March for Black Women was “able to specifically lift up the voices that are often underheard or overlooked.”  However, this year, Jackson made a special emphasis on the fact that the issues do not affect just one demographic of women, but all women. She fervently declared that all women of color needed to join in one voice to ensure that they were heard. Furthermore, white allies were encouraged to champion the issues that were affecting them, their neighbors, their friends and their fellow people.

Jeanette Vizguerra—activist, immigrant and one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world—spoke on Saturday morning along with poet Kerrie Joy, organizer Lisa Caldon and many others.

The event emphasized community and encouraged people to act against all injustice, demanding that no one stay silent when they see or experience oppression. Tish Beauford, the host and organizer, summed up the event with words that resonated with the audience: “Power is only a liability if you don’t use it.” She asked for everyone to embolden each other, thanked them for their presence and ended the event as marchers cheered and applauded the march.

You can find out more the March for Black Women on their event page on Facebook.