Angie Winder's speech, Baltimore Women’s March - January 2019
"My name is Angie Winder
I am the founder of restoring the village project, a radio host, a newly elected leader, a mother of two and a community advocate. I have advocated for various issues in our communities but the one that is very dear to my heart is advocating for grieving families affected by violence.
SENSELESS VIOLENCE
I never could imagine I'd be standing here speaking words of encouragement. You see, 15 years ago, I lost my soulmate, my best friend, my husband. He had been a victim to violence in Baltimore City.
And, though I mentioned all of the wonderful "things" that I have accomplished over the years... there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about my husband and wish that he was still with us. Every day that I fight to make a difference in our city, is a fight coming from the depth of my very own pain.
A pain that has pushed me into my purpose.
Many say enough is enough of the violence. But, we must believe that enough is truly enough by our actions (let our actions speak louder than our words). What are WE going to do today about this violence?
As your sister, I am pushing each of you to DIG DEEP to find your purpose!
As for me, if it had not been for God and my village I wouldn't be alive to tell my testimony today. I'm humbled and thankful that God never let me give up (even when I wanted to)
#WhyIMarchBmore
I march for my husband and every victim of violence. I've lost a host of friends and family with a 19-year-old nephew being the latest victim in 2018.
In 2018, we saw 309 reported homicides. And, in the last few years we've ended the year with 300+ homicides. This should not be accepted as the "norm". Everyone is responsible for restoring our village from the elected officials to the constituents. We can not afford to keep losing our loved ones.
#WhyIMarchBmore
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I march for the voiceless and the hopeless. I march for the grieving families of the victims that they hear my story and they find hope and that they find peace.
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In closing, my charge to every woman here today is to (rise up) let us not be divided for unity is power. Let us not be driven away from leadership positions. We must have a voice and a seat at the table. We must step up even more and speak out for what is right and just. We must continue to build one another & support and pray for one another!
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I love the saying, "broken crayons still color". Let us take our brokeness and color the brightest future for our lives and for the lives of others. (THIS) this is WHY I MARCH!
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Thank you and God bless you!"
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