It’s my own fault for underestimating the people of Middle Tennessee, but I went into Jan. 21’s Women’s March with low-ish expectations. I figured a few thousand people would turn out, but the day wouldn’t feel totally worthless as we found modest camaraderie. Oh, how wrong I was. As I marched across the Korean Veterans Boulevard Bridge that Saturday morning after Inauguration Day, my heart nearly leapt out of my chest at the sight of thousands upon thousands of people streaming into Cumberland Park, filling the pedestrian bridge and the Nissan Stadium parking lot. The crowd was estimated at around 15,000, with many of the attendees carrying colorful signs boasting hilarious, earnest or painfully honest slogans supporting a wide range of causes, from Black Lives Matter and trans rights to climate-change awareness and anti-Trump sentiments. It took hours for everyone to finally walk the stretch of road through downtown to Public Square Park. Nashville has continued to show up for other important events, but the energy felt during the Women’s March remains unmatched. Maybe we should do it again to kick off 2018, eh? MEGAN SELING
Best Protest
Women’s March
Photo: Daniel Meigs
