#Resist

By Madison Tyson
Multimedia Senior Content Producer

These photos are a documentation of the protests on January 20, 2017 at the One Resistance protest on inauguration night from 5-8 pm at Auditorium Shores, and January 21, 2017 at the Women’s March at the Texas capitol from 12-3 pm. They are photos of intriguing, creative, and powerful signs and of people I met along the way that show the struggle of the American people to have their voices heard. 

On inauguration night, I was a little anxious to see what was going to happen because I had heard of many protests around the country that intended to be peaceful, grow violent. I only went with one friend, Emily Forrest, but immediately felt like I was surrounded by hundreds and thousands of lifelong friends. Within five minutes of arriving to auditorium shores, I ran into old friends, Patrick Hall, who I used to be a summer camp counselor with, and Michael Johnson, the photographer who mentored me throughout high school.  Everyone was there for the same purpose and it felt like one big community of people who wanted to make a change. As the sun began to set and reflect on the Austin skyline, the One Resistance organizers had speakers and performers get the crowd motivated. Then we began to march around Austin. There were all types of people who marched, chanting in unison, phrases such as “stand up, fight back”, “black lives matter” “hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go”, “the people, united, will never be divided”, “say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here”, and “love trumps hate.” The whole night was peaceful and uplifting, because we realized we are not alone in the fight.

The next day was the women’s march. Apparently the 85 degree January heat did not stop anyone from coming, because it was estimated that at least 100,00 people showed up. I went with two friends, Brooke Adams and Savannah Rhoades, and met up with my mom; it is a miracle that we pulled that off in that crowd. There were people of all ages, genders, sexes, races, ethnicities, shapes, and sizes. Walking through the streets of Austin, the people who could not participate were out on their balconies and cheering us on. Not only were people using signs to express themselves, but they were also wearing clothing, such as shirts, that said, “nasty woman”, and pink, knitted pussy hats. I became overwhelmed with emotions that I cannot describe. I felt the power of women and our allies while chanting, “Show me what democracy looks like! This is what democracy looks like!” and “My body, my choice! Her body, her choice!” After arriving back at the capitol grounds, there were speakers who shared stories, preached sermons, and gave rallying cries.

I am not well versed in writing, so I hope you enjoy looking carefully at each photograph’s content to see how these photographs say more than I could ever write.

Mujeres unidas. (One Resistance; Digital)

A woman’s place is in the resistance. (One Resistance; Digital)

I saw this man, Tim Thetford, in the crowd and asked him what inspired him to make that shirt. He replied, “cause he is” with laughter. (One Resistance; Digital)

There were many signs portraying Trump and Putin in peculiar relationships. (One Resistance; Digital)

The people are watching. (One Resistance; Digital)

“Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.” – President Donald J. Trump. (One Resistance; Digital)

This is not normal. (One Resistance; Digital)

“We have some bad hombres here, and we’re going to get them out.” – President Donald J. Trump. (One Resistance; Digital)

We are stronger & we are smarter. (One Resistance; Digital)

“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending the best. They’re not sending you, they’re sending people that have lots of problems and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bring crime. They’re rapists… And some, I assume, are good people.” – President Donald J. Trump. (One Resistance; Digital)

Future Women. (left: Women’s March; Digital) (right: One Resistance; Digital)

An ally with his face painted like Bowie’s (left). Patrick Hall, my friend (right). (left: Women’s March; 35mm Film) (right: One Resistance; Digital)

Who run the world? Girls. (Women’s March; 35mm Film)

I will never forget being able to march proudly alongside my mom, Mary Tyson, for women’s rights. (Women’s March; Digital)

Girls just wanna have fun-damental human rights. (Women’s March; Digital)

Babe with the power. (Women’s March; Digital)

Make American think again. (Women’s March; Digital)

We are united. (Women’s March; 35mm Film)

Mary Tyson (left) and Brooke Adams (right) walking with pride. (Women’s March; Digital)

As a future elementary school teacher, the sign in the left photograph drew tears from my eyes as I passed by. (Women’s March; Digital)

“I’ve said if Ivanka weren’t my daughter, perhaps I’d be dating her.” – President Donald J. Trump. (Women’s March; 35mm Film)

“Such a nasty woman.” – President Donald J. Trump. (Women’s March; Digital)

With liberty and justice for all. (Women’s March; Digital)

Standing on the capitol lawn, Savannah Rhoades (left) and Brooke Adams (right), admire the large crowd. (left: Women’s March; Digital) (right: Women’s March; 35mm Film)

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”-Desmond Tutu. (Women’s March; Digital)

Nobody is free when others are oppressed. (Women’s March; Digital)

“You know, I’m automatically attracted to beautiful — I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything.” – President Donald J. Trump. (Women’s March; 35mm Film)

The Women’s March here in Austin was a sister march to the main one in Washington D.C. which had over one million attendees. (Women’s March; 35mm Film)

“Nah”-Rosa Parks. (Women’s March; 35mm Film)

The state troopers standing and waiting for opportunities to help. (Women’s March; 35mm Film)

All photos by Madison Tyson