Suffragettes marching from the Library of Congress‘Cause your ancestors are all the proof you need
That progress is possible, not guaranteed
It will only be made if we keep marching, keep marching on
Those are lines from the final musical number “Keep Marching” in the musical “Suffs.” In full disclosure, I haven’t yet seen the musical, but I have been listening to this particular song a lot lately. I turn it on whenever I start to feel overwhelmed by the ongoing erosion of our rights and the likelihood that things are going to get a lot worse before they start to get better.
“Suffs” premiered in 2022, but it feels like it was made for this moment. It shines a spotlight on the remarkable women who led the suffrage movement in the early 20th century, offering a vibrant and empowering portrayal of their relentless fight for equality. “Suffs” is an inspiring call to continue the fight for equity and justice, reminding audiences that real change requires not just vision, but also unyielding perseverance.
The song “Keep Marching” represents the enduring perseverance and determination of the suffragists. It serves as a rallying cry, encapsulating the movement’s spirit of resilience in the face of systemic opposition and societal doubt. The lyrics emphasize themes of solidarity, persistence and the necessity of continuing the struggle for equality despite setbacks.
The path will be twisted, and risky, and slow, but keep marching, keep marching
Progress is a road with bends, detours, and sometimes, abrupt halts. The idea that progress is inevitable is a comforting myth, but it’s a myth nonetheless. Our collective efforts to make the world better are often met with setbacks, but we have to remember that setbacks don’t mean the path is closed forever; they’re reminders of how much courage, resilience and adaptability are required on this journey.
Whether it’s in the form of political regression, social injustice, environmental crises or economic hardship, every challenge we’ve overcome in the past has tested our resolve and asked us to reach deeper for solutions, empathy and new perspectives. Often, it’s precisely these challenges that spark the innovations, policies and movements that propel us forward in surprising ways.
We did not end injustice and neither will you (neither will you). But still, we made strides, so we know you can too (oh, you can too)
In the fight to secure and protect our rights, victories and losses are never eternal; they are chapters in an ongoing story of progress and resistance. History shows us that every stride toward justice can face backlash, and every setback can fuel a resurgence of determination. The fight for equality is not a linear journey toward a definitive finish line but a constant struggle that requires vigilance, flexibility, and commitment.
Consider not only the suffrage movement, but other landmark achievements like the abolition of slavery or the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These milestones transformed our society, securing rights and opportunities for millions. Yet, none of them marked the end of discrimination, inequality or oppression. New challenges arose — segregation, voter suppression, systemic inequities — forcing each generation to pick up the torch and continue the work. Victories provide hope and momentum but must be defended and expanded.
The gains will feel small and the losses too large
Keep marching, keep marching
Similarly, losses, while deeply painful, are not the end of the story. The defeat of a pivotal measure or a regressive policy being enacted often galvanizes activism, sparking movements that shape future progress. The setbacks remind us that rights are not guaranteed; they are earned and sustained through effort and dedication.
In recent years, we’ve seen the U.S. Supreme Court’s extremist, activist majority rewrite the Constitution, throw out long-settled precedents, scrap gun regulations and environmental protections, eliminate the deference given to science and expertise, grant corporations new powers over us, and strip individual rights, including women’s freedom to make one of life’s most personal and significant decisions.
But we’ve also seen progress at the same time. In 2020, we elected the first woman U.S. vice president. For the women fighting tooth and nail for suffrage in the early 20th century, the idea of a woman, much less a woman of color, serving as vice president of the United States would feel like an unimaginable triumph, a beacon of progress they dreamed of but never lived to see.
The future demands that we fight for it now. It will only be ours if we keep marching Keep marching on (keep marching on)
Progress is dynamic, forged through continuous engagement in good times and in bad. This reality is not a cause for despair but a call to action — a reminder that the responsibility of justice rests with each of us, in our moment.
To create a better world, we have to embrace setbacks as an unfortunate part of the process. That means recognizing that progress will require more than good intentions — it will take sustained effort, accountability and a commitment to the long haul. Each of us, in our own way, is a piece of this larger puzzle. When setbacks come, as they are now and inevitably will again, we must acknowledge them as part of our story and allow them to refine our vision and strengthen our commitment.
Progress is not a destination; it’s the path. It’s not a reward; it’s the struggle. It’s not something we arrive at; it’s something we create together. And while no one can guarantee the outcome, we can be certain that the energy, effort and hope we pour into the world today shapes the possibilities for tomorrow.
We’re all justifiably anxious about what comes next on our leg of this ceaseless journey for progress and a more perfect world, but like the Suffragettes, we will keep marching on. So, throw on a song, movie, or musical that inspires you and let’s get moving.
