WASHINGTON — As the March on Washington approaches, many people across the metro area are explaining why they’re planning to attend.
Kendra Benson has lived in the area for 10 years. She explained race is an issue within society.
“It’s a human issue. It’s not anything political, it's like, 'no, if you don't feel any kind of feelings about what's going on in terms of racial disparity in America, then you might be dead.'” Benson said.
Attending the “Get Your Knee Off Our Necks” march is a must for her.
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“I have participated in countless protests. I'm not okay with the way that black people are treated in America,” she said.
Despite the threat of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Benson feels it's imperative to attend. She said her professional experiences have presented racial challenges.
“Because I’ve worked a good portion of my experience has been in government, federal government, as a contractor, I feel like I've experienced some level of racism in every job that I've had since I've been here,” Benson said.
Benson is a native to South Carolina. Her life’s experience growing up in the rural south is motivating her to do her part to bring awareness to the plague she calls racism.
“There's a lot of ignorance around what racism really is. It's kind of sly here versus in your face.”
The late Congressman John Lewis often talked about getting in “good trouble.” Benson said she’s inspired by his legacy and plans to attend the march fearlessly.
“I rather die for something, then sit at home and hide and just allow things to do the same,” Benson added.