I remember that bus ride from Indianapolis to Philadelphia like it was yesterday. It was Oct. 25, 1997, the night before the Million Woman March. A group of us mothers, daughters, sisters and friends boarded a bus bound for history.
We rode through the night and arrived early that morning, pulling up to a YMCA to freshen up before heading to the march. The weather wasn’t perfect, but it didn’t matter. What I witnessed that day was more powerful than anything I could have ever imagined.
There were thousands upon thousands of beautiful Black women filling the streets of Philadelphia. Standing together in unity, power and love. I still remember hearing someone say, “Great Grandma taught Grandma, Grandma taught Mama, Mama taught me, and now I will teach you.” Those words have stayed with me ever since.
The march was more than an event it was a spiritual experience. The energy was electric. The speakers were powerful. I felt proud, beautiful, strong and deeply loved. I took countless photos, talked to women from every corner of the country and left feeling renewed. It was a reminder that Black women have always been the backbone of our families and our communities and that when we stand together, we are unstoppable.
Today, as a 54-year-old single mother of two boys who both excel in school, I carry that same spirit of pride and resilience with me. The Million Woman March taught me that my voice matters, my beauty matters and my journey as a Black woman matters.
Twenty-eight years later, I’m still grateful I was there to witness history, to be a part of something greater than myself and to walk among my sisters in love and power.
Jeana Ouattara is the production manager at the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper.
