These 12 Signs From The Women's March Were Powerful AF
Every now and then, the ripple effect of revolution can be felt.
The inaugural Women's March was a prime example of the magic that happens when female energy unites under a common mission. On January 21, 2017 (also the date Number 45 was inaugurated), an estimated 4.6 million people rallied together in an effort to radiate love in the face of hate and intolerance. As of today, the second annual Women's March is kicking off the movement with over 200 events taking place in different parts of the world.
This weekend, women and allies alike are in the thousands to join forces as members of the resistance, standing up for women's rights, immigration rights, and the equal rights of minorities.
Within a year, women have made incredible strides, and have proven what happens when they create space for sisterhood and champion other women. Voices that used to silence themselves out of fear that no one would be around to listen, are no longer crippled. Their desire to walk and own their truth screams louder. In its wake, it has propelled other movements, like the Women's Strike, MeToo, and TIME'S UP.
A woman's work is never done, especially when it comes to liberating the truth of the woman who stands next to her. We're led by these women. We are inspired by these women. These women remind us to stand tall and to stand firm in our womanhood.
The 12 signs below give us glimpses of some of the protests happening around the world in honor of the 2018 Women's March, and are absolutely everything we needed to feel empowered to stand in our truth.
Women exercising their right to freedom of speech and expression is incredible, but this year's Women's March has shifted their aim from the power of the p*ssy to the power of the polls. With their latest initiative, Power to the Polls, the Women's March seeks to elevate the power and the voices of women even further. This year, we got a glimpse of what happens when women take matters into their own hand by going out and voting (read: black women) with the Roy Moore defeat in Alabama. Power to the Polls wants to amplify that and then some.
On January 21, 2018, the anniversary of the Women's March, women will come together in celebration in Las Vegas to launch their agenda, #PowerToThePolls.
According to their website, "this anniversary event in Las Vegas will kick-off a national voter registration and mobilization tour targeting swing states to register new voters, engage impacted communities, harness our collective energy to advocate for policies and candidates that reflect our values and collaborate with our partners to elect more women and progressives candidates to office."
Okay ladies, now let's get in formation.
For more information on Power to the Polls and how you can become active in your own Women's March chapter, visit their website powertothepolls.com.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage