An open letter to my family and friends: On Saturday, Jan. 21, I will join thousands of others for the Women’s March on Washington. I am so proud to have this opportunity to show my support and love for all the strong women and men in my life.

I am marching for democracy, freedom for all people and love of my country. I am marching for my mother, Mozelle, who as a young teacher taught in the inner city of Atlanta. She later was a social worker and rose to a place of importance in the state of Georgia but never had equal pay. She is the reason I am an activist today.

I am marching for my father Buck, who is no longer with me. He taught me to be kind to everyone you meet and to give to anyone in need, no questions asked. I am marching for my sisters, Gretchen and Martha Ellen, who are both smart, kind and giving and have provided me with love and more laughs than I can count.

I am marching for my son, William, and my daughter-in-law, Dily, who show love and compassion every day of their lives.

I march for my stepdaughters, Stephanie and Nicole, who are strong, independent mothers who teach my grandchildren the importance of family and friends and love. I march for my grandchildren’s future in a world that champions for everyone’s rights and freedoms.

I march for my friends Jayne and Pat who every day amaze me with their knowledge and kindness and guide me to become the kinder, gentler person I want to be.

I march for my best friend Donna, who as a daughter stood by her mother as she fought through Alzheimer’s Disease. I march for my friends Phyllis and Hope, who are standing up and fighting every day for their son/husband Steven as he battles ALS.

I march for my friend Leesa with the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum, who knows above all others how important freedom and democracy truly are. Her history is the story of the greatness and hope of America.
I march for my friends Jeffery and Alan, and all my friends in the LGBT community, who have won the right to live free and happy together in the town they call home. I march for my friend Lisa who fights every day for peace and love with an ardor and conviction that is unyielding.

I march for my husband, Bill, who even though he shakes his head at some of the things I get involved with, has always supported and loved me and is proud when I actually do something good.

I march for my homeless friend Hunter who cannot live a life of comfort and security that so many of us are blessed to have.

I am proud and blessed to be a citizen of the United States of America. Every day, I will fight for my freedoms, my family and friends’ freedoms and for democracy.

Rebecca Clark is a resident of Washington.