“We are people of different colors, backgrounds, religious faiths, and politics. We support women’s/human rights. We are activists, seasoned and new… We stand against hate in all forms and against targeting any groups or individuals. For ourselves and others, we express our right to respect and acceptance without bias or persecution,” reads the Women’s March on Chicago website. This website was created in order to stand against the negativity of the 2016 presidential election in early November, and the march easily made history in Chicago becoming part of a larger historical event across the globe.

Taking place on January 21st, the day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration (which is by no means a coincidence), around 250,000 people from across the Chicagoland area gathered in downtown Chicago. Like many of the other Women’s Marches taking place, the marchers’ goal was to send a message to the new administration that their voices will be heard, and that women’s rights are human rights.

The actual march began at 10:00 AM and lasted until 12:30 PM, but many arrived earlier to hear different speakers before the march. According to the Chicago Tribune, these include Eman Hassaballa Aly, Marilyn Katz, and many more, even some of the Chicago cast of “Hamilton” performed. The different speakers spoke on a variety of issues that the marginalized communities of Chicago face.

While what happened at the march is important, the message behind it is what really matters. Americans aren’t going to just sit passively waiting for change. If the Chicago march doesn’t foretell future reactions to President Trump’s actions, then one can take a look at the other marches worldwide. The United States is a political hubbub, and the actions of our government affect all others, from Europe to Asia to Africa. What the United States does, does matter, and it’s important that what is done is humane and aims to help the common good. Americans aren’t settling for any less.