#Team12 We did it. We showed our colors proudly, and we took the messages of the people to the capital.
Thank you to all who marched, and all who assisted. We finished this leg, but democracy still suffers, and we will not relent until justice prevails.
July 16th-28th, 2025
Some highlights from the march:
From Philly, to Chester, to Wilmington, to New Castle, to Chesapeake City, to White Marsh, to Baltimore, to Catonsville, to Columbia, to Laurel, to College Park, to WASHINGTON DC...
... change is in the air.
Day 1: Philly to Upper Darby
We kicked off an historic first day in City Hall, then began our initial march!
Then, later in the day, we met local leaders and organizers Pastor Goodson of the Bywood Community Association and Desiree Murphy of Murphy's Giving Market, both of whom use their platforms to make real, lasting change.
If you are looking to make donations that directly translate to good outcomes for people and communities, donate to Bywood and Murphy's.
Day 2: Upper Darby to Chester
We started our day with UDTJ, Upper Darby's groundbreaking LGBTQ+ organizational unit led by Kyle McIntyre, and enjoyed press recognition by Alana Beltran and NBC 10 Philadelphia.
#Team12’s favorite moment of the day was walking through the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge on our way to Chester. A breath of fresh air—literally!
Lunch without swimming at the Nile Swim Club, first black-owned swim club in the US. Democracy is now considered partisan, so this 501c3, amongst others, was afraid to welcome us.
We ended our day with the fine citizens of Chester churches, and heard some wise (and very true) words from Patricia, long-time member of St Luke Community Christian Church:
Day 3: Chester to Wilmington
We kicked off an inspiring Day 3 in Chester, PA, where the late, great Martin Luther King Jr attended seminary school and visited the iconic Bob Marley home in Wilmington, Delaware. We were grateful to be recognized by the honorable U.S. Senator Chris Coons of The Great State of Delaware!
This is Lawrence from Wilmington. It is safe to say that meeting Lawrence was one of the best experiences the core group had during this journey. Lawrence pulled his car aside and called out, "I'm curious! I'm curious!" so we all shifted into the driveway and had a long discussion about immigrants and the government and ethics and more. Lawrence, if you're reading this, we appreciate you, and we hope that you will keep in touch on your journey!
Also shared some thoughts and stories with the progressive priest, Patrick, at Saints Andrew and Matthew Church, a church with a beautiful and impressive social history.
Day 4: Wilmington to New Castle
Before marching on Day 4, we met up with Wilmington and Newark residents including Tracy Byrd Dickerson, end-of-life RN with a Masters in Divinity who led a cup-filling service recognizing Juneteenth and Harriet Tubman’s remarkable liberation efforts.
After our morning miles we sat down for a delicious and hearty Juneteenth lunch generously donated by members of Indivisible Newark, and Tracy read to us beautiful, inspiring and encouraging words by Delaware Speaker of the House Melissa Minor-Brown
We were hosted that night for dinner by churchmembers and generous Indivisible Newark activists, and enjoyed music by Karen and Amy on guitars, vocals and "oohs" with Judy on piano. "Dappled Shadows" never sounded so good!
Day 5: New Castle to Chesapeake City
Set List:
Then, we marched from New Castle to Chesapeake City. We met bikers, walkers, and hospitable and gracious activists on our way.
And thanked previous activists who fought for women's right to vote.
Met Cami and Rob today, plus a friendly veteran along the route, and Naa joined the through marchers!
Before lunch the marchers did a deep dive into what democracy is all about.
"The world is not connected by atoms, the world is connected by stories."
We had a deep conversation with Tracy Byrd Dickerson about the power of human connection in this movement we're building...
... and rested for the night at our Chesapeake City lodging, after a fantastic dinner prepared by Michelle Ravert. Michelle alerted us to the method of voting in Cecil County called "at large" as opposed to "in district". Their voting system leads to homogeneity of the elected officials and their officials are, in fact, all white, a contrast to any other county in the area.
Here's a rundown on what this means
Day 6: Caravan in Harford County
We love a caravan! We strategized, marched with our signs, and had some thought-provoking questions in conservative Harford County, with Harford County patriots carrying the flag and defending our constitution.
It's always a joy running into friends on the road!
After a hot day in Harford County, shuttled to welcome respite at the home of activist allies, where we were treated to a lovely meal and great conversation--what we can do to make the world a better place.
Day 7: Baltimore!
Then, on a wonderful Sunday, we marched on to beautiful Baltimore for Day 7!
We even had some ducks join the movement!
The shade and rest before meeting Baltimore allies for a full day of rest was quite welcome!
Just look at that blue Baltimore sky! Consider this your daily reminder — your voice matters.
Day 8: Rest & Rally
Then, we took a much-needed and well-deserved rest day in Baltimore for Day 8, while Farcie the Trojan Piñata made some new friends!
Lead organizers Jaxy and Jason came to meet the marchers to help collect messages for Farcie, who listened, heard, learned, and took notes.
Baltimore leaders honored Democracy 12, forming a coalition to join Eyes On Ice for their weekly Monday Rally. The rally inspired, with speakers including Odette Ramos, Baltimore City Council Member, Jessica Beane of Eyes on Ice, Amy Lee of Free State Coalition/50501, Pastor Robert Turner of the Empowerment Temple, Jen Blalock of Indivisible Baltimore County, Ellie Rosenstock of Indivisible Baltimore, and Judy Shatkin of Democracy 12.
Farcie can't wait to take your most painful grievances to the administration when we hit DC.
Day 9: Extreme Heat Day 🥵
Then, to keep our volunteers, friends, allies, and neighbors safe in the middle of the heatwave, we took an extreme heat day on Day 9.
Here's a heartwarming story from our entry into Baltimore from our friend and ally, Laura Russell:
Yes, for us.
For you.
For all of us.
That's why we're marching.
We had the warmest welcome at Emmarts Church in Maryland, which was part of the underground railroad! Thank you, Katrina and Jeff for your hospitality! Thank you, Jyoti, for all of your help throughout Baltimore! and Kim Ross, thank you for your service to your community!
We also met Jen, Jyoti, Sylvia and Danny Golombek, Meg, Peta, and Delegate Kim Ross of the Maryland General Assembly, and linked up with more Baltimore activists from Allies for Democracy, Progressive Democrats of Baltimore, and Indivisible Baltimore, and members of Emmarts Church.
We're so honored to be a part of America's rich history of true leadership, justice and liberation, and so is Farcie!
Last, but definitely not least, some words of inspiration from social media volunteer and marcher, Laura!
Day 10: Columbia
We were delighted to meet Chloe (and to hear her lovely voice!) and to meet Crystal, who decided to join the crew for the rest of the march, both from Frederick. And we were blessed to have Steve volunteer to drive and provide all sorts of cooling, marching, and sustenance supplies for the Baltimore to DC leg. Thank you, Steve!!!
On the road, Google Maps is our best friend, personal assistant, and emotional support app!
Oh, and we had some fun times in the car, too!
Today was a hot one, but we had plenty of shady spots thanks to the excellent skills of Amy Bishton; and the warm (cooling!) welcome from Ruth Nimmo, Mary Jane, and the Indivisible Howard County team!
They brought on a nice sunshower to cool us properly, and we can't thank them enough for their gracious reception!
This was followed in the evening by an inspiring and motivating rally organized by Sanjay George, Jessica Nichols and Gabriel Moreno, JD, who works tirelessly for both the Central Committee and on behalf of immigrants blindsided by the current political current.
We got to meet so many allies and so many people doing great local civic work. It was a pleasure and honor to meet the speakers.
Jessica Nichols — 2025 Howard County teacher of the year and co-host for the monthly advocacy/community engagement speaking series, Manufacturing Dissent at Backwater Books, 8156 Main St, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Listen to Jessica--this woman can speak--and has a great sense of humor to boot!!! ----->
Inspiring and impressive, too, was Cat Carter, running for Howard County Council District 5. Cat gets things done. Keep doing what you do! State Delegates Terri Hill and Jessica--keep it going! Kudos for your good works!
Also got to meet Deborah Morehouse from Swanpoint!
Lizz Hammon — Speaker from Columbia Democrats and coordinator of all of our Board of Education candidates last election to kick Moms for Liberty's candidate's asses.
The best part of all of this?
The connections we've
made on the road!
Day 11: Laurel
Another top moment in the march: K. drove over to catch us after we marched by her home. She felt inspired and moved by our carrying the flag in this way--She "knew what [we] were doing."
This is what it's all about. Thank you, K., for seeing us, and for sharing. <3 <3 <3
Sunny, sunny day today in Laurel 🌞 🌞
Sun, Smiles, and Solidarity.
What else could we ask for?
Steve's preparedness!!
Thank you, Deb, for both your skilled press work AND for being support vehicle driver. You are an indispensable part of the team! We are grateful! Thank you, Meg and Jessie, too, for volunteering AND marching! Also great to meet local Crystal (another Crystal!), Maria, Lisa and Debra.
Day 12: College Park
It's finally the second-to-last day! We marched from Laurel to College Park, and we're just a hop, a skip, and a jump away from DC.
We're filled with gratitude and love for all of the organizers, in particular Jill, Jaxy, Jason, Deborah, Tracy, Amy, Diane, Tiffany, Stephanie, Austin, Arlene and Wendy!!! There were so many contributors. But it’s not over yet!
"This is definitely the thing to do!"
- Judy & Carol
Protect! Our! democracy!
We can't say it enough.
This is Carol. Carol the whole team is so grateful for your participation and willingness to go the extra mile. Carol was with us from Day 1 all the way through. Honestly we cannot thank you enough. You were the glue that kept it all running smoothly.
Carol, you are loved <3
Tomorrow, we cross the finish line. We'll wrap up our historic march in Washington, DC!
No march is complete without music!
Luckily I had my keytar with me...and Jazzy Ed Willz was game to let me sit in...
I mean...who can resist a keytar?
Michelle (who offers the encouraging "GO GIRL!") in the orange and the retirement sash was retiring none to early--her government job had lost all joy with the current administration.
Like yesterday and the day before, we battled with heat and humidity today.
Nothing about this work has been easy. But for you, us, and the country we all deserve, every step has been worth it.
← FARCIE's ready to make a splash when she hand-delivers your letters at the rally tomorrow!
and... WE MADE IT TO DC!!!
GO TEAM 12!!
People Have the Power.
Video of Letters to the Administration, carried by Farcie and read by the marchers, are being compiled.
Words are not nearly enough to thank you enough for your support, but here's a message, with love, from our fearless founder, Judy...
What's next?
The Democracy 12 march created community, connection and visibility.
We support the We Are America march, and encourage you to support them with funding, volunteering and marching. This is an action that works.
Before the March
Our fearless founder, Judy Shatkin, traveled around the country, connecting with allies, partners, and the most passionate volunteers to build our historic movement.
Desiree Murphy, founder of Murphy's Giving Market, explains how food pantries can provide dignity to its customers
Jaxy and
Patrick
turning the
Farcie
dream into
reality
Sonia Shah, investigative journalist and community leader at Dance Against DOGE, Baltimore
After an inspiring sermon by Pastor Robert Turner, of the Empowerment Temple, who marches Baltimore to DC monthly for reparations. Pastor Turner plans to join us in the last leg into DC
Comparing art with tech and creative genius Jaxy Baine on the Democracy 12 team, White Marsh, MD
Meeting with PA transportation specialist Cathy Spahr and Brittani Hales, Community Engagement professional, Chester, PA
Conferring with Kyle McIntyre, community organizer, of UDTJ, Upper Darby, PA
Judy meeting Stephanie from non-profit Everybody Eats-Nutritious Food for All, Chester, PA.
Meeting with Pastor Anderson of the St Luke Christian Community Church
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