As night fell on the day of rage that began inauguration weekend, the morning brought a new hope that expanded from the National Mall and the White House, to Central Park in New York City and the Embarcadero in San Francisco. 

Women, men and children in major cities around the U.S. marched in support of women’s rights in response to the “profound deepening of the divisions in our country” that became apparent in the recent election of President Donald Trump, according to the Women’s March on Washington website. 

Hundreds of thousands participated in the March on Washington alone, which was proceeded by star-studded speeches and musical performances. 

Artist chair America Ferrara spoke of challenging intolerance against immigrants, minorities and the LGBTQ community, in addition to the strength of the coalition that filled Independence Avenue and some of the surrounding streets. 

Gloria Steinem, Michael Moore and Scarlett Johansson followed her, along other activists, celebrities and musical performances.

Musical performances included Alicia Keys singing “Girl on Fire” and Janelle Monae singing “Hell You Talmbout” with family members of Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin on stage. 

Two of the most memorable speeches were given by Kentucky native Ashley Judd and pop superstar Madonna. 

Judd performed a speech written by Nina Donavan, a 19-year-old from Tennessee, and labeled herself a “nasty woman,” an insult turned badge of honor for women against Trump, who first used the phrase to describe Hillary Clinton.

“I am not nasty like the combo of Trump and Pence being served up to me in my voting booths. I’m nasty like the battles my grandmothers fought to get me into that voting booth,” Judd said. “We are here to be respected. We are here to be nasty.”

The march began an hour and a half late, and the route had to be altered to accommodate the overwhelming turnout, but this did not dampen the spirit of the protesters. 

“There was a lot of camaraderie and it felt really energetic,” Claire Ashley, 45, said. She drove from Chicago to march. “We just want to make sure that our voices are heard, and that the powers that be right now do not forget us, or do not think that we can be walked over.”

Marchers walked to different finish lines, and some even ended up at a Bikers for Trump rally at the end of 4th Street. 

Some marchers raised their signs in protest, and danced along to Kid Rock’s “Cowboy” that was playing at the event. 

“That was a shocker,” Ashley said. “But I’m very happy to see that some of our fellow marchers are protesting around the Bikers for Trump event.”