Teach Our Children Well: Why the January 21, 2017 Marches Matter

The post-Inaugural Women’s March on January 21, 2017 was, in a word, remarkable. Across the globe, millions of people gathered to share their concerns about how our world was changing and how the values we hold dear were being threatened. One of the striking features of the marches, in addition to the absence of violence and the presence of men and women and children of all ages and stages, of all races and ethnicities, were the signs.  These signs — as varied as the marchers themselves — messaged loudly and clearly.  The signs spoke to the concerns we confront and the pressing need to speak up and out. But, the signs also were a message to and for our children and our children’s children — we need to insure that they inherit a world of which we can be proud and in which they can exist with decency and respect and grace. The people at the marches — many  with children or grandchildren in tow — were signaling to the world: let’s teach our children well. That is our responsibility. That is our charge. That is our obligation.