60 Years Later, Why We Still March

August 28, 2023
10 mins read
Black college students gather at the Lincoln Memorial. (Photo: Alyssa Mark/HUNewsService.com)
Johnathan and Christine Waters marched with fellow union members (Photo: Alyssa Mark/HUNewsService.com)

Johnathan and Christine Waters

Communications Workers of America

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Johnathan and Christine Waters, a husband-and-wife duo, proudly marched side by side as union members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), driven by a deeply ingrained passion for justice and the pursuit of a fairer society.

“Being part of CWA is not just about belonging to a union. It’s about belonging to a movement that stands for something bigger,” Johnathan Waters explained, his eyes alight with a passion that had fueled his activism for 25 years.

As a longtime member of CWA, he had witnessed firsthand the impact that workers could make when they rallied together to demand fair wages, safe working conditions and a voice in the decisions that shaped their lives.

For Christine Waters, the union’s message of solidarity resonated deeply. “We’re here to stand up not only for our rights as workers, but also for the rights of all those who’ve been marginalized or overlooked,” she stated, her gaze fixed on the crowd around her. As a teacher and a devoted advocate for education reform, shehad experienced the power of organized action in the pursuit of equitable access to quality education.

The couple’s reasons for marching were multifaceted, a reflection of the intricate tapestry of social and economic issues that defined the modern landscape. From fair labor practices and workers’ rights to access to affordable healthcare and education, the Waterses saw the march as an opportunity to amplify their voices and advocate for the change they wished to see.

The couple’s participation in the march, underscored by their dedication to CWA’s principles, embodied the essence of unity in diversity—a testament to the strength of collective action.

 – Alyssa Mark