January 20 and January 21, 2017 will go down as one of the biggest moments in modern history where Americans and allies across the world (mostly) peacefully protested against Racism, Islamophobia, Transphobia, Sexism, and stood up to protect Prochoice, LGBT Rights, Healthcare Reform, and much more. It was inspiring to see millions of messages and art spread across signs and social media. I wish we would have seen similar momentum during the elections around these same issues, but this is where we are now.
Social justice organizations are now faced with harnessing the energy from the marches and protests. They will need to develop strategies to keep the momentum going to take on the Republican Congress and State Legislatures who will attempt to put laws in place that will remove the most basic human rights for people living in this country. Nonprofits and movement organizers have an opportunity to cultivate relationships with a lot more people who are just getting involved in social justice for the first time or re-engaging with it. But first we must document the incredible two days so we never forget.
Here are some of the greatest signs, art, and messages we saw during the marches and protests. Think about some of the personal messages and images people wrote, drew, and screen printed, on their signs as you reflect on what comes next.