The Rhythm Of Resistance: How Can I Play A Part In This Movement?

At this moment, when executive orders attack the rights and safety of women and nonbinary people of color—when our very existence is debated and devalued–it’s easy to feel an immense sense of overwhelm and anxiety. In these moments of doubt, remember: you are not alone.

We are a chorus, and our voices echo through history. We have fought for and lost rights to our bodies, our labor, and our identities. Yet, our song does not end–it’s a steady, unrelenting beat on the march toward justice. No administration, no executive order, no obstacle will silence us.

The power of organizing and creating change is rooted in community. Much like a chorus, it’s a space where we support each other. When one of us needs to pause and take a breath, another carries the tune. Through harmony, we build lasting movements and sustain our fight without burning out.

Remember to breathe. This work is a marathon, not a sprint, and we need you in it.

Take a break and find joy. As Tricia Hersey put it, rest is our right and we don’t rest to do more. We must separate ourselves from capitalism, which sees rest as a means to do more. In our community, when one of our singers says, “I need a break,” another one responds, “I got you.” And still, the song carries on. 

For generations, music and community have carried women of color through their darkest moments, reminding us that even in pain, our voices rise and our resistance strengthens. This Black History Month, we honor Black women–past and present– who have led and continue to lead us through labor movements, reproductive justice movements, civil rights movements, and freedom movements. Liberation has always been the goal, and this moment will not defeat us. 

Together, we will dismantle abuses of power. We will not settle for patching over broken systems that were never built for us. From the rubble, we will rebuild systems that serve everyone, not just a select few.

Our people–women, people of color, and everyday individuals simply trying to make ends meet–have the power to hold our elected officials accountable, demand change, and drive progress against all odds. Together, we will keep our song alive and continue the fight until racial and gender justice is realized.

Now, here’s how you can play a part in this movement. 

Build a Knowledgeable Community

Knowledge is power, and understanding how racism and sexism impact women and nonbinary people of color–through issues like paid leave, immigration, and workplace harassment– gives our communities the tools to protect themselves and drive change. Dropping information like equal pay and workplace harassment zines from 9to5, sharing red cards about immigration rights, or inviting your neighbors to a “know your rights” training are powerful steps in building strong, resilient communities ready to fight back.

It is essential that working women and nonbinary people of color not only help our communities build power but that we lead these movements. By stepping into leadership roles, we amplify our collective voice and embed ourselves deeply in the fabric of our communities. We know what is best for our communities, and we must lead the charge toward liberation.

Build Collective Power

Vote every time–not just in presidential elections. Vote in primaries, special elections, and local races. These elections determine who makes decisions about our schools, wages, housing policies, worker protections, and more. When we vote consistently, we put people in office who reflect our values and push for the changes we need. We have seen this firsthand in 9to5’s Wisconsin and Georgia chapters, where organizers mobilize members to take action, from the ballot box to the steps of state capitols. When our communities turn out, we win.

But our power is bigger than any single election. Our power lies in holding leaders accountable, resisting injustice, and resting. It’s in making calls, signing petitions, showing up to their local offices, and demanding action beyond campaign promises. It’s in mutual aid, standing by each other in times of need and creating community-driven solutions that uplift us all.

This work is powerful, but it can also be exhausting. That’s why rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. As Black women engaged in community organizing, we know the toll it takes. We also know that we don’t just fight for the future. We deserve joy, care, and rest right now. Take the time you need to recharge. Lean on your community. And when you’re ready, we’ll be here.

Ashley Panelli & Mica Whitfield are Co-Presidents/CEOs of 9to5

SEE ALSO:

Trump’s Confederacy Of White Dunces

How Colin Kaepernick’s Racial Justice Protests Helped Expose US Views Toward Sports Activism