A year after the inauguration of Donald Trump and the now famous 2017 Women’s March, hundreds of thousands took to the streets once more for this year’s protest. Though smaller than last year’s, which was one of the largest political demonstrations in U.S. history, the 2018 March was, for me, still both inspiring and empowering.

Along with an estimated 200,000 others, I joined the NYC faction of the March. Because I didn’t get there until around 12, I was unable to attend the rally or hear speakers, but I did get to admire the signs of those around me and march along with the crowds.

This year’s theme was “Power to the Polls” — organizers hoped to encourage people to sign up to vote, with the aim of electing more Democrats in the midterm elections. As I walked, I saw numerous volunteers offering to register anyone who will be eighteen and eligible to vote by November.

One of the most striking parts of the protest was the hundreds of signs focusing on different issues; everywhere I looked, I saw messages advocating for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, Black Lives Matter, climate change, and other issues. There were also, unsurprisingly, many insults directed towards Trump and his administration.

Due to the volume of the crowd, the marching aspect wasn’t exactly fast, but this did not dampen the crowds’ spirits. As we waited on 77th street to enter the main stretch, people would periodically start chants, such as “What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!” and “Show me what democracy looks like. This is what democracy looks like!” The atmosphere was celebratory, empowering, and friendly, with people complimenting each other’s signs, taking pictures, and just absorbing the magnitude of it all. “The Women’s March was one of the most empowering experiences any girl can have and was a wonderful opportunity to support women of all ages,” commented Lauren Cho ’19. Sydney Mone ’19 agreed. “It was very inspirational to see so many people show up to support women,” she said.