Hope found in the Kindness of the Officers of Peace
With the official Republican confirmation of a U.S. Attorney General who may, or may not be, racist, now seems like a moment in need of hope. Luckily we’ve got some right here in the moments of kindness shared between the Marchers and the officers of the law who worked together to make 1/21 a day remarkable for its peace. (Please read through the comments to their end; I promise they are worth it.)
Six years back in Wisconsin, as this same group started their first 100 days here, many of us started sentences with, “Don’t they realize if they do this, that ...?” Each time the “...” was exactly what they were after. So now we find ourselves asking, “Don’t they realize that by confirming a possibly racist U.S. Attorney General it sends non-whites the message that justice in America is not for them, dramatically increasing the risks of riots in major cities across America?” And of course it’s not just that they realize, it’s their actual goal.
For authoritarianism to rise, the people have to want it. It takes chaos to make that happen. This is why today I see such great hope in these acts of law enforcement kindness shared by 1/21 Marchers. Protesting alone cannot create chaos, for chaos you need a crackdown and police escalation. From these stories of kindness, it’s clear that, as much as our new administration might be up for turning back the clock on racial equality, that’s not a feeling shared by those on the front line of law enforcement today. More than most of us, they see how race leads to separate outcomes in America. And more than most of us, they are committing their lives to making a difference to that outcome.
And cook! Cook lots! Cooking and sharing food together does so much to shut off the parts of our DNA that drive us to anger. If you or a loved one are a part of the growing protests, or working to keep the peace at these protests, do all you can to keep cooking a part of your day to day life. It makes a huge difference. Don’t forget to pack a snack, ideally enough to share. Break times go a long way to creating positive outcomes. And remember, we are all in this together. Share respect.
Bill
bill@penzeys.com
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The most touching thing was just the peacefulness of the crowd and the respect shown between those marching and the Cleveland police.
Nancy G.
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I especially saw a lot of hugs for the police, who were lining the parade, helping us to be safe. At one point the crowd started chanting, we love the APD! Their smiles just lit up and they stood a little straighter and seem to really appreciate the love. And I’m so glad, because even though none of us is perfect, I do believe our police force tries to do the right thing here in Atlanta.
Kara D.
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High fiving police. Love everywhere all ages, genders, people fighting for basic rights.
Jennifer M.
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We were well supported in Durango from the public and police who thanked us for our efforts coming out to march in a foot of snow. It warmed our hearts to meet so many like minded people.
Darla L.
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Love is love is love is love. The police were friendly and helpful. I even saw two officers wearing pink hats!
Heidi D.
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Even the police officers were kind! They were mostly smiling and seemed very chill even though the crowd was huge! They thanked us for backing up to let the emergency vehicles into an area with a distressed marcher and apologized that the space was so tight. They took our cameras to help us take photos of our group. They even gave us advice about places for lunch! I thanked several officers along the way and they all smiled, gave me a thumb’s up or thanked me in return. Several even thanked me for marching. It was amazing!!!
Donna W.
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I attended the March in Washington with my boyfriend. I was so impressed by how organized it was and how it was simultaneously powerful and peaceful. I saw kindness and compassion frequently. I saw frail and elderly people who joined in for the cause and I knew this was a tremendous sacrifice for them. One scene in particular will never leave my memory: A fellow marcher collapsed and was given medical aid by bystanders and police officers. She required CPR, and I fear that she didn’t make it. I was surprised by how kind, thoughtful, and helpful the police officers were. They formed a barricade around her so that those of us who were nearby did not intrude on her right to privacy. They protected her while aid was being administered and we awaited the ambulance. Marchers prayed, they were grateful that this woman was receiving compassionate care, and we were all touched by the tremendous sacrifice many people who joined us made just to be there, marching peacefully in hopes of a better future for America. This very sobering incident made me appreciate even more the importance of our freedom to march for equality and fairness for all, and I know of at least one person who gave her life in the pursuit of these values. That is life changing.
Erin J.
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I marched in Tucson where 15000 people participated. It was a truly mixed crowd. Everyone unified in smiles and positive enthusiasm. Particular kindness was exhibited by local police who were upbeat and gentle in directing and watching over the event.
Barbara H.
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It was so heartening to see so many attend the march in Ft. Worth, Tx. To see women with their young children and men who marched with us gave me heart to once again step into the work ahead. The bicycle police who escorted us were so kind and cheerful as they made our way clear.
Diane M.
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All participants and our Santa Fe police were especially caring of all the elderly, the children and the dogs in our parade. There was concern and kindness in all interactions. We had many marching with canes, walkers and wheelchairs.
Helen L.
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I marched in Boston for more kindness in the world and more tolerance. America has been viewed as a world leader. We should lead by example. I loved watching all the smiles during the march. The march itself was the most invigorating thing I have done since November. Also, the Boston police and Boston DPW were very kind, gentle and supportive. They helped set the tone of peace and love.
Evelyn H.
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In Chicago, the policemen stood with us and supported us along the way. They also would show our signs, as they were on horseback and higher than the participants.
Amy D.
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During the entire march of 50,000 people in Philadelphia, I was impressed by the good natured (kind) professionalism of the POLICE who were safeguarding all of us. One situation really brought a smile to my face when a family somehow ended up separated by police barriers and the Mom need to get the backpack she was holding with all the baby equipment across to her husband who actually had the baby. An officer understood the situation, grabbed the backpack and got it across the barriers to the dad. Applause broke out and it was a joyful moment.
Kitty K.
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Together with my dear friend, we organized four buses and parking with shuttle, to the Women’s March on Washington, from many points in Massachusetts. The kindness, humanity exuberance of each of our grouo was palpable and warm. During the rallies and March, people’s acts of kindness were innumerable. At one point we stopped to thank the D.C. police and the commanding officer informed us that it was one his officers birthday. I believe her name was Officer Shaundra. The line did not move until hundreds of us had sung her Happy Birthday. Although initially embarrassed, she managed to catch some of it on video and even shed a tear. It is those types of extraordinary acts of love and kindness I will remember from that day. They gave me a renewed hope for our people and our nation.
Lauren P.
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One of the best things to see in DC was how supportive & polite the police & members of the national guard were. They shook our hands, thanked us for coming, gave hugs, and posed for pictures! It was good for my daughter to see people in positions of authority being polite & respectful-thankful even.
Sherry P.
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My 17 year old son and I joined the March in Boston. When we crossed into the area shut off from car traffic there were garbage trucks with snow plows mounted to blockade the street. There were also dozens of police officers standing and watching. This made me feel both safer and a bit sad because it was tangible proof that there are some who might wish to harm peaceful protestors for their political gain. While I was processing these thoughts, one police officer looked right at me with the biggest smile and a twinkle in his eyes. His kindness and warmth was the reassurance I needed to feel safe.
Susan F.
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It was amazing to stand amongst people who believe as strongly as I that we can still make a difference. I was inspired to see strong voices for a multitude of causes. I personally marched for better healthcare and less expensive medication. I believe that healthcare needs should never break a family. The police at our rally were playing with the kids and letting them turn on the lights in their cars. It was so sweet.
Dawn R.
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It’s kind of silly, but the high degree to which people were polite to each other was very meaningful to me. We made room for each other with no dirty looks or sighs; we said pardon me or excuse me each time we entered one another’s space (and believe me that was always!; and I witnessed the unconditional giving of pink hats, buttons and a Chicago PD patch from a police officer to a child. It was a safe space that I wish we could live in every day.
Trudi K.
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I saw so many people reaching out to the Chicago police officers, many of whom have been the subject of national scrutiny, with hugs and high fives.... and several officers having the time of their lives, wearing pins and happy post it notes. I was a delight to see.
Cyndi K.
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Marcher after marcher after marcher profusely thanked the policeman then the sanitation worker beyond him and the fireman beyond him and the Parks & Rec worker beyond him-- profusely thanked them for their help and their respectfulness and their pride in their great City. And each of those Boston employees’ response were the same: no thank YOU they all replied. You could just tell, had they not been on duty, they would have been marching too. They literally beamed with pride for what their city was peacefully accomplishing. Again, a place in history.
Leslie O.
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I met dear friends from KY in DC to march together. Some great times were on the Metro singing songs from the Civil Rights era together. It was intergenerational and diverse and without a doubt, everyone was kind. I made it a point to thank Metro workers and police and National Guard members for their work that day. One officer remarked he had never been thanked so much before. It was a great day.
Angela D.
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I live in a small town, and went to the march/rally in the next small town, Greenfield MA. I have never seen so many downtown, and the Police said on their FB page that it was an honor to be there. There was tremendous unity and inclusiveness..a mixture of different generations, races, sexes,signs for many causes...but such comfort in being with real Americans. I handed out 2 bags of Hershey kisses, since love trumps hate.
Judy R.
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I marched with my best friends from high school -- they flew in from Washington and Ohio- along with my daughter and her best friend. Everything about that day exceeded my expectations. But here I’d like to focus on the police. They were there in large numbers, unfailingly courteous and unusually kind. I made a point of thanking each officer I saw and each thanks was greeted with a smile! I actually handed out a whole bag of your pins on my bus. We had just enough for every person save one -- me. I happily gave the last pin away feeling honored to have been able to pass them out. But, if more are coming in, I sure would love one!!
Kelly J.
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I’m a Muslim convert, and marched with my four kids (three boys, one girl) in Orlando, FL. My kids were all excited to march and help make signs. We had a Fight Like a Girl sign, Make America Kind Again, and American by Birth, Muslim by Choice, Feminist by Necessity sign. The kids had so many people come up to them and thank them for marching and participating. It was really nice. One lady brought snacks for the police officers and also offered them to my kids. As I watch things get tougher and tougher for Muslims here, I know I will go back and remember the kind people we met there who were so supportive.
Karla K.
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The march meant that I lent my voice for my grandson, born 12 weeks prematurely, who will always have a pre-existing condition. The men, women, and children in Madison, Wi were unified, polite and caring. An older woman (probably my age), apparently had fallen. In addition to her friends, others, including a Madison Police Officer, helped get her up, find a place for her to sit, treated her bloodied lip, provided water, and made sure she was ok.
Joan U.
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The March, for me was to say I am here, I am loud, I will not go away, I will not be ignored, this is bigger than me, I vote, and most importantly, DO NOT DEFUND THE NEA! I am going to fight, I am going to advocate, and I am going to activate others who believe in access to the arts for all. During the March in Eugene, I saw people thanking police and in one instant, the police officer thanked the Marcher. What does it really mean in that situation? Does the officer support this action, or was he thankful we were peaceful and worked in unison with law enforcement agencies to make the March a reality, safe for Marchers and motorists. May these interactions be the beginning of new bridges forged out of trust, honesty, transparency, empathy, and compassion.
Emily P.
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Met up with family from LITERALLY every corner of the United States. In the throngs of people,all 12 of us managed to stay together all day. Never once, did we encounter someone pushing, or yelling, or behaving badly. It justified the reason we were there...HUMANITY. The next day, while out to breakfast, 2 of my aunts and I encountered 3 police officers on the street and we asked what their opinion was of the march. The response was Ya’ll were too well behaved! We were told to expect violence...and you taught us a lesson. It was amazing! So validating to our cause. I have such immense pride in participating.
ShawnMarie C.
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An amazing day in Boston...I have great admiration for our Boston police, who captured the Marathon Bomber, drove children to school during a bus strike, and protect our voting rights at every election. When I saw them out in force, I made my mission for the day to thank as many as I could. The reply from the first one ‘don’t worry, we’ve got your back’ made my day. I don’t doubt that there is police injustice in the world but I was glad the BPD was with us on Saturday.
Jeanne W.
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I was in Washington DC marching and was amazed at the number of people attending. The Police who were watching over the group were interacting with the group, laughing with us and more then happy to snap a picture of us when asked. They were attentive too and sprung into action when a medical emergency was identified.
Amy B.
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We traveled by bus from Ann Arbor Mi. to the March on Washington in DC. The March was a powerful statement to Congress..... Your on Notice! Everywhere we went people thanked us for coming. D.C. Police, the National Guard deserve a special shout out. The kindness showed by these officers was surreal. Thank you.
Joan S.
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I was originally worried about going to the March because I am a teacher; we are supposed to keep away from the media and controversy. The night before the March, I spoke to my sister-in-law, also an educator, who is nursing a broken foot. She told me of her determination to go to the March--on crutches! Needless to say, I was inspired and humbled by her commitment to the cause, as was my husband, who marched along with me. The March was a beautiful moment of solidarity with all types of people--old, young, all races, all religions, babies, senior citizens, etc. They were all cheerful, united, and committed. Some of the kindest people were the Pittsburgh Police who were there for not only crowd control, but to protect the rights and safety of peaceful protestors. I thanked several of them to show my appreciation for all they do. All in all, I am glad I attended and hope that this event sends the message to our administration that we the people cherish our rights and the rights of all. Thanks to you, Penzeys, for your support!
Joan T.
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I brought my 2 sons, ages 7 and 11, to the March on Madison. They made signs:
Make a BIG Difference. Stand Up.
and
Make America Kind Again .
A police officer stopped my younger son to tell him he had a great sign, and to thank him for being here. Made me so proud of our kind officers and so many caring people.
Jennifer G.
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My favorite moment? As we marched past security guards on one side and police manning a barricade on the other, we chanted ‘this is what democracy looks like.’ To my surprise and delight both the guards and the police were chanting with us! Truly a day of hope and resistance.
Gwen D.
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My daughter and 4.5 year old grandson, my son-in-law’s Aunt and Uncle and their 2 adult daughters and I all took part in the Women’s March in Denver. The entire day was filled with many random acts of kindness that we personally experienced--from the people on the light-rail trains (that were already PACKED) making room for ‘just a few more people’, from people patiently helping others use the light-rail ticket kiosks for the first time, to the people in line for one of the portapotties who insisted that my grandson be allowed to go first (the lines were 50+ people long), to the Denver Sheriff’s Deputies who got out of their vehicle to take photos with my grandson, to the high-fives the Denver Police were giving to the marchers, to 2 especially kind and friendly official volunteers who were high-fiving and hugging and verbally encouraging marchers (btw, we later learned that these 2 volunteers were a former US ambassador to Vienna and his husband!). It was a day full of acts of kindness and patriotism in action. I have been involved in various marches and civic activities throughout adulthood but this was THE best gathering ever! Thanks for your support, Penzeys! You all ROCK!
Karen B.
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So proud to be from Boston, with all the support from our heroic police department that day-- truly Boston Strong. Kindness will always win.
Kara F.
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I’ve been marching since the 1970’s. This march (DC) was the largest and most diverse. And everyone was kind and helpful and pleasant. I didn’t hear an ornery word all day. My favorite part was the hike from RFK parking lot to the Mall. The neighborhood had printed Martin Luther King, Jr. quotes and posted them in their yards. And the neighbors were on their porches with their kids waving to us and welcoming us. We were surrounded by goodwill. And kudos to the Metro Police, the National Park Police, and the National Guard who were also friendly, helpful, and welcoming.
Judith K.
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I took a bus to Boston, Massachusetts with my mom and a group WSRP group , & we just had a Groovy time. HOWEVER, I just lost my mom and her friend, but I can’t talk (thanks to a brain injury that I had 20 years ago on January 7th), so I went over to the police van and I had a good time with them. At the end point, I was driven over to the bus!
Brie B.
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Each time marchers passed a police officer or national guard member, women cheered and thanked them. I saw female police officers turn and thank women for marching, which was very moving. It was a very positive vibe.
Lynne B.
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My daughter reported that a male police officer assigned to an intersection in Seattle had a line of parents with babies and toddlers in strollers at the back of his patrol car. He was letting the parents change diapers in the trunk of the police car!
Jane W.
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Everyone was kind, helpful and thoughtful. There were many police and security around. One police officer let my friend charge her phone in his car. We were all so proud to be a part of this historical event.
Debbie W.
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The march meant to me a huge sisterhood of women, joined by supportive men and children all marching so our voices could be heard. I spent most of my day (as a Peace Officer Volunteer helping the San Jose Police Department) with tears of joy in my eyes at the spirit and love. The kindness I saw was how supportive, peaceful and loving everyone was. Our training included how to diffuse anger both at the marches and within, but I never even had to use it. Marchers and observers alike were all peaceful and kind to one another.
Danielle P.
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One unique moment: I was helping to hold a large banner that said, Wild Wombs of the West, and a Cheyenne police officer (who was helping to clear the path for the march) came over and asked, now, is there enough WOMB here for everyone? :-).
Kelli T.
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It meant to me standing up with my sisters for the rights of all women around the world. The best thing I saw was a policeman don a pink cat ear hat and hug marchers.
Pat B.
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People coming together with no anger, people speaking in civilized tones.
The Police Chief in Hartford Connecticut putting out a statement of unusual circumstances. That a peaceful demonstration with zero arrests and not even one parking ticket given out!
Dorrie C.
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I was so inspired by the march in DC. There are so many examples of kindness, I don’t know where to begin. I really just want to comment on the kind, helpful, and good-spiritedness of the Smithsonian security guards, the police, and the D.C. National Guard. With the unrest that happened the day before, I was worried that their would be friction between the groups and there was none. There were high fives, pictures, smiles, and sign-holding from law enforcement and marchers. It was truly inspiring.
Kellie C.
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We stayed in an Air BNB and our host arranged very inexpensive transportation right to the mall in DC. He also cooked us a big dinner for ten people when we got back tired after marching. The police were so kind, waving, smiling, passing out flowers. The fellowship was so awesome with men, women, children. Our group promised each other we will continue to work on issues we believe in and to make our country KIND again.
Kathryn W.
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My 14 year old daughter and I marched in DC with friends, one the daughter of immigrants, the others have a disabled sister. We were moved to tears many times. Two in particular were the police officers giving high fives and cheering go get em ladies to the four Muslim American men shaking hands and thanking people for standing up for their rights too. We also met three amazing women from Michigan. One of them an attorney named Sharon sat with the teenagers and held court, explaining the importance of the march and standing up for what is right. The experience restored my faith in humanity and gave me the energy and confidence to defend human rights thoughtfully.
Ashley W.
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I marched with sisters and brothers in Norfolk. The kindness that I noticed along the march were the police officers. They were so happy and smiling and kind to us. They did not seem upset that they had to block the streets for us. We all said, Thank you to all the officers we saw. They helped our March be safe and fun! Norfolk Police officers are wonderful!
Rebecca S.
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The police in Raleigh didn’t expect our numbers and acted quickly and efficiently to keep the marchers safe when we filled the streets. Each officer treated us with kindness and gave us the respect that we were able to show them.
Lacy P.
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I am almost 60 years old and have marched in the past but have never experienced the overwhelming unity and love that I did this past Saturday in DC. What an amazing day! I marched for my transgender nephew in hope that he will ne day be able to visit me here in NC with out fear of using the wrong restroom. I also marched to keep Planned Parenthood in operation and to makes sure all women retain control of their body.
What struck me the most was the huge support from the local DC police, metro police and National Guard. They were giving us the thumbs up and verbally thanking us as we marched. Amazing!
Ruth Ann G.
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Getting off the bus at RFK stadium with apprehension we were greeted by police smiling and welcoming us, as we walked in a line of hundreds the 2.5 miles past homes on the way to the march, homeowners came out offering us water and bathrooms- a small boy had a table with snacks for us to take. National Guard with humvees nodded and smiled as they helped us pass - cafe workers gave us food with big smiles and thanked us for coming - it was humanity at its best.
Ellen H.
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This is amazing. Some of the Atlanta Police who were assisting with the march in Atlanta were holding little red hearts and all along the way they were high-riving and hugging marchers. In a city as large as Atlanta, it’s awesome to have 63k people with no violence, no arrests and cops who give hugs.
Jennifer J.
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I marched in Sacramento with my sister, niece and granddaughters. My oldest son also marched. There was so much love and kindness. I even got to hug a police officer on duty. Hope emerged from knowing we were one strong lovely voice.
Diana T.
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I was at the march in DC. It was my first march. I was struck by how friendly and kind everyone was, including the Metro Police and the National Guard officers we saw. Some of them were even wearing Penzeys pins, I guess given to them by marchers.
Maggie D.
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So much kindness! A woman sitting on a bench in front of the Lincoln Memorial knitting pink hats to give away...a woman standing on a curb cautioning marchers not to fall...people rushing to help someone who fell...a policeman shouting encouragement, telling people, You’re almost at the end! Keep going! It was an amazing day!
Nicole H.
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I have been a Penzeys customer for quite a few years. I am a grandmother and very proud to say that I marched in Washington on 1/21. So many wonderful things happened but one of the things that touched me the most happened around 5:30 in the evening when the crowd was thinning out and I was on my way back to the Metro station with my two friends. We passed a police car that was parked to block traffic at an intersection. Two police officers were slowly and quietly gathering up discarded signs from the march and placing them (very artistically, I might add) all over the car -- the windshield, the bumper, the hood -- wherever there was an empty space. They had chosen messages of hope and unity, including a Black Lives Matter sign -- and they themselves were not black. Seeing this small but powerful action on the part of those police officers actually made me cry. I felt so many emotions but I prayed for God to bless those two men and everyone in America as we all embark on this unknown new future together.
Joan S.
