Marchers across the U.S. and worldwide joined together in many cities Jan. 21 to show their pro-inclusion unity and to offer a categorical “no” to the contentious rhetoric and tone often associated with President Donald Trump and his past campaign.

Champaign was one of the cities where the rallies took place, and among the estimated 5,000 people at West Side Park for the Women's March at C-U was local motivational speaker Tanisha King-Taylor, who spoke at the event. Taylor is pursuing a doctorate degree in the Department of Education Policy, Organization & Leadership.

King-Taylor said speaking at the rally provided an opportunity to recognize the contributions of black women, whom she believes are often underestimated and undervalued.

“I will demonstrate to my daughters that backing down is not an option, and that change is possible,” she said before the event.

King-Taylor was interviewed by The News-Gazette prior to the event and told the publication that unity, collaboration, and identification of the issues are elements that can help taper racial strife in the U.S.

“Getting people of color on the political sphere with the right people in the right places in order to push back and against things that are not for everyone and getting things done that serve the entire society and not just particular people,” King-Taylor said of the importance of the march.

Read The News-Gazette article with King-Taylor’s thoughts.