Over 100,000 in Boston, 0 police reports, lovely crowd. Helpful police just like in the McClosky story. PS Each of the ducks in the Make Way for Ducklings statue had their own Hands Off sign.
I was at the St. Paul Capitol and it was spectacular. I was emotional walking up to see so many people (on that note, did you mean 20,000? Because I think that was roughly the estimate. Definitely more than 2,000!). The signs were top notch, the crowd chanting together, the kindness I felt in the air. It was moving. Maybe my favorite moment: two young kids on the ground trying to protect a worm from being stepped on. If that doesn't say at all.
Yep, I meant St Peter! I am so proud of the crowd you all had at the capitol, but I specifically wanted to shout out how remarkable it was to have that big of a gathering in Southern MN, particularly in that size of town (also full disclosure, my in-laws were at the St Peter protest, so I wanted to give them a little shout out.
Maybe it's also part of the St. Paul vs Minneapolis thing. Everyone generally mentions Minneapolis and outsiders sometimes think it's even the Capitol. So I was just so excited to see STP over MPLS.
I was on the Mall in DC, and it was hopping! I’m a little skittish about crowds, and what helped was meeting up with friends. I kept tearing up at the turnout, at the signs, at the feeling of gratitude that there were so many of us out there together. And then after? Had one of those casual invitations from another family at our elementary school to come over and play games roll into an impromptu dinner with a third family down the street. This is the exact kind of community I’ve been leaning into more since the post-election sessions you ran, followed by Barnraisers. Tomorrow, several more families are joining us to visit House offices because we are still fighting for that damn DC budget fix. What a difference it makes to feel together in this, to approach it from a perspective of care and community vs. hunkering down.
Wish we could post our photos and video clips. Seattle Center was packed. Loved the signs so much. Wish we could've marched though. Wish we could've marched through the streets. Something about taking the movement to the streets...
But you know what was especially impressive to me? The majority of those who showed up were from the generations before me, in their 60s and 70s, the OG protesters who had had to fight for women's rights and against nuclear armament, they knew what was it take better than most and they were unafraid to show up with their gray and white hair...the wisdom of the elders. Reminding us how it's done.
As for the generational point, and how much this moment is being seized in such a beautiful way by elder activists, it's honestly brought me to tears multiple times. I know from so many older activist friends in my family/community that this is a time of so many complicated, heartbreaking emotions for folks who've been fighting for so long, and to see it channeled in this way (when it would be understandable to just throw in the towel) has me verklempt.
A friend in his 70s who told me he hasn't protested since Vietnam was out yesterday. I love seeing the elders out there!
We did march here in Alameda after some rousing speeches at City Hall. There were so many people that we clogged the streets, pretty amazing for a small city which is only 10 minutes away from a much larger event in Oakland.
Let's look for ways that those who can't march/stand for hours can also share that feeling of face-to-face community!
We could make Wednesdays a day to wear our gear, whether a shirt, earrings, hat, whatever, to show solidarity and oppose what Trump/Musk/Republicans are doing.
I've been wearing trans-supportive t-shirts every day for two months, and I've met so many allies everywhere I go. It's been uplifting.
If one day a week we could recognize each other as we go about our daily existence, that would be heartening. It's so surreal to have mundane life continue as though our constitution isn't being dragged and our freedom and safety aren't being torched. When I wear a shirt, I stop feeling like my silence is consent, because my stance is there for all to see.
Gear can be subtle, just the color of the shirt or a pair of earrings, for those who feel unsafe being more overt, but they can still contribute and stand with us.
If you like this idea, pass it on. Open to other ideas, just want us to find something!
I love these Idas, Kory, as well as the broader push to create ways to feel that same sense of belonging and common cause for folks for whom a traditional protest just isn't an option!
Love this idea!! At my own city's gathering, I was delighted to see numerous people in wheelchairs or who had brought folding chairs to sit in. I think there are definitely ways that these events could be made more accessible for those who wish to participate. But I do make a point of smiling and saying "I love your shirt" when I see someone with a great message T.
This is what I needed today! Two things you'll love from Oakland: The lady for some reason leading us in karaoke, and as she very impressively sang us out at the end of Whitney Houston. Somebody who loves me, the last thing she said into the mic wasn't improvised "make friends with your neighbors!" And then my Republican neighbor showed up with a sign with a quote from Cory Booker + said, "I hope there's a lot of angry Republicans here!" And I was surprised to be like, same
Wheeler, you know damn well that you had me at "the lady for some reason leading us in karaoke..." I was like yes, I will follow this anecdote wherever it goes now.
We had 4 rallies on the Big Island of Hawaii, north, south, east and west. The two in Hilo and Kona were the largest, with over 1000 estimated participants in each. There were also 2 smaller rallies in Waimea and Na’alehu. There were many creative signs and a lot of positive energy.
I was in Missoula, and remarked later how I only saw 2 people I know- not because people I know weren’t there, but because there were so many of us. It was powerful.
I left a little early to head over to the curling Bonspiel (which was a wonderful way continue to be in community), and I had a lovely chat with a stranger on the way back to our cars- she had her sign on an old canoe paddle, which I thought was a clever handle. She commented on the age diversity present, and we agreed that it meant a lot to have so many people there, all different from each other but all gathered together.
A friend I did see there, who is trans, said they kept looking for the counter-protesters, waiting for someone to drive by with offensive flags, or hand gestures, or yelling. But we didn’t see any, and I haven’t heard any reports. It’s made me reflect on ways that I can continue to show up, with my intersecting privileges, to help buffer. I’m anticipating putting my “Diversity Makes US Stronger” sign to good use.
Those are all such good points. I bet that I'll write something about it soon, but I have just been so filled up by getting to be a part of the first truly intergenerational movement of my lifetime. In addition to everything you noted, I'm just learning so much from the vulnerability of folks who are joining from across an age-range-- the heartbreak and angst of elders worried about the world we're leaving for future generations, the rage and conviction of younger activists, etc. Makes me proud to be a "just happy to be here with you all" mid-life person (in Quaker Meeting yesterday somebody referred to my age cohort as "middling adults" which is hilarious and accurate.
Unrelated but also: there's a curling community in Missoula now? Everybody needs to stop giving me more reasons to want to move back to my hometown!
I got to the one in Columbia, SC at 4:30, very late for many reasons, with my very old toy maltipoo in her buggy. As we limped toward the designated area, several leaving were bubbling with pride and excitement, and one white woman gave this old white woman her sign--black votes matter. At the State House there were still over 100 people there with 2 different groups of officers--state and local--there to protect all. As I waved my sign, I first noticed the quiet energy and creative signage of the protesters. Then came the chuckle as I realized that an African-America guy across from me was in his pink shirt that proclaimed: We need women in office. The officers were sharing their observations about the incredible size of our group, and grabbing photos for their fellow officers who couldn't be there because of other duties. We chatted and a few told me how proud they were of our "group" and the way we were handling ourselves. My little one got enough gentle loving to last her for weeks. The noise never stopped; it was coming from the honking cars riding by and yelling support and encouragement. Our number were over 2,000 standing, and we've no way to even estimate the numbers of cars or people in them, but in my half hour I counted over 200 cars with passengers waving or doing fist bump signs. I was fearful about going until I got there, and then it was pure energy and joy.
Over 100,000 in Boston, 0 police reports, lovely crowd. Helpful police just like in the McClosky story. PS Each of the ducks in the Make Way for Ducklings statue had their own Hands Off sign.
The Make Way For Ducklings ducks are DEFINITELY anti-fascist!
I was at the St. Paul Capitol and it was spectacular. I was emotional walking up to see so many people (on that note, did you mean 20,000? Because I think that was roughly the estimate. Definitely more than 2,000!). The signs were top notch, the crowd chanting together, the kindness I felt in the air. It was moving. Maybe my favorite moment: two young kids on the ground trying to protect a worm from being stepped on. If that doesn't say at all.
I read it like that at first, too. But on reread, he is saying 2000 in St. PETER, MN, not St Paul! 2000 is pretty good for that community!
Yep, I meant St Peter! I am so proud of the crowd you all had at the capitol, but I specifically wanted to shout out how remarkable it was to have that big of a gathering in Southern MN, particularly in that size of town (also full disclosure, my in-laws were at the St Peter protest, so I wanted to give them a little shout out.
Absolutely! Just like seeing ones in Alabama, it hits different.
Oh gosh, thanks for the correction. It's amazing how our brain fills in what it wants so quickly. St. P... 😄
I should have assumed when I chose that as an example that folks' brains would fill in the larger, more famous St. P in Minnesota.
Maybe it's also part of the St. Paul vs Minneapolis thing. Everyone generally mentions Minneapolis and outsiders sometimes think it's even the Capitol. So I was just so excited to see STP over MPLS.
I was on the Mall in DC, and it was hopping! I’m a little skittish about crowds, and what helped was meeting up with friends. I kept tearing up at the turnout, at the signs, at the feeling of gratitude that there were so many of us out there together. And then after? Had one of those casual invitations from another family at our elementary school to come over and play games roll into an impromptu dinner with a third family down the street. This is the exact kind of community I’ve been leaning into more since the post-election sessions you ran, followed by Barnraisers. Tomorrow, several more families are joining us to visit House offices because we are still fighting for that damn DC budget fix. What a difference it makes to feel together in this, to approach it from a perspective of care and community vs. hunkering down.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, not just for doing it, but for doing it with friends!
Wish we could post our photos and video clips. Seattle Center was packed. Loved the signs so much. Wish we could've marched though. Wish we could've marched through the streets. Something about taking the movement to the streets...
But you know what was especially impressive to me? The majority of those who showed up were from the generations before me, in their 60s and 70s, the OG protesters who had had to fight for women's rights and against nuclear armament, they knew what was it take better than most and they were unafraid to show up with their gray and white hair...the wisdom of the elders. Reminding us how it's done.
Agreed that I wish the comment threads allowed for photos and video, BUT if you'd like to upload some great Seattle shots, here's a chat thread where we've been sharing some: https://open.substack.com/chat/posts/ca75ccac-1337-4b8f-9d5b-9ba386b5d34d
As for the generational point, and how much this moment is being seized in such a beautiful way by elder activists, it's honestly brought me to tears multiple times. I know from so many older activist friends in my family/community that this is a time of so many complicated, heartbreaking emotions for folks who've been fighting for so long, and to see it channeled in this way (when it would be understandable to just throw in the towel) has me verklempt.
A friend in his 70s who told me he hasn't protested since Vietnam was out yesterday. I love seeing the elders out there!
We did march here in Alameda after some rousing speeches at City Hall. There were so many people that we clogged the streets, pretty amazing for a small city which is only 10 minutes away from a much larger event in Oakland.
I'm so grateful that your friend is back out there!
Let's look for ways that those who can't march/stand for hours can also share that feeling of face-to-face community!
We could make Wednesdays a day to wear our gear, whether a shirt, earrings, hat, whatever, to show solidarity and oppose what Trump/Musk/Republicans are doing.
I've been wearing trans-supportive t-shirts every day for two months, and I've met so many allies everywhere I go. It's been uplifting.
If one day a week we could recognize each other as we go about our daily existence, that would be heartening. It's so surreal to have mundane life continue as though our constitution isn't being dragged and our freedom and safety aren't being torched. When I wear a shirt, I stop feeling like my silence is consent, because my stance is there for all to see.
Gear can be subtle, just the color of the shirt or a pair of earrings, for those who feel unsafe being more overt, but they can still contribute and stand with us.
If you like this idea, pass it on. Open to other ideas, just want us to find something!
I love these Idas, Kory, as well as the broader push to create ways to feel that same sense of belonging and common cause for folks for whom a traditional protest just isn't an option!
Love this idea!! At my own city's gathering, I was delighted to see numerous people in wheelchairs or who had brought folding chairs to sit in. I think there are definitely ways that these events could be made more accessible for those who wish to participate. But I do make a point of smiling and saying "I love your shirt" when I see someone with a great message T.
This is what I needed today! Two things you'll love from Oakland: The lady for some reason leading us in karaoke, and as she very impressively sang us out at the end of Whitney Houston. Somebody who loves me, the last thing she said into the mic wasn't improvised "make friends with your neighbors!" And then my Republican neighbor showed up with a sign with a quote from Cory Booker + said, "I hope there's a lot of angry Republicans here!" And I was surprised to be like, same
Wheeler, you know damn well that you had me at "the lady for some reason leading us in karaoke..." I was like yes, I will follow this anecdote wherever it goes now.
We had 4 rallies on the Big Island of Hawaii, north, south, east and west. The two in Hilo and Kona were the largest, with over 1000 estimated participants in each. There were also 2 smaller rallies in Waimea and Na’alehu. There were many creative signs and a lot of positive energy.
That's incredible!!!
I was in Missoula, and remarked later how I only saw 2 people I know- not because people I know weren’t there, but because there were so many of us. It was powerful.
I left a little early to head over to the curling Bonspiel (which was a wonderful way continue to be in community), and I had a lovely chat with a stranger on the way back to our cars- she had her sign on an old canoe paddle, which I thought was a clever handle. She commented on the age diversity present, and we agreed that it meant a lot to have so many people there, all different from each other but all gathered together.
A friend I did see there, who is trans, said they kept looking for the counter-protesters, waiting for someone to drive by with offensive flags, or hand gestures, or yelling. But we didn’t see any, and I haven’t heard any reports. It’s made me reflect on ways that I can continue to show up, with my intersecting privileges, to help buffer. I’m anticipating putting my “Diversity Makes US Stronger” sign to good use.
Those are all such good points. I bet that I'll write something about it soon, but I have just been so filled up by getting to be a part of the first truly intergenerational movement of my lifetime. In addition to everything you noted, I'm just learning so much from the vulnerability of folks who are joining from across an age-range-- the heartbreak and angst of elders worried about the world we're leaving for future generations, the rage and conviction of younger activists, etc. Makes me proud to be a "just happy to be here with you all" mid-life person (in Quaker Meeting yesterday somebody referred to my age cohort as "middling adults" which is hilarious and accurate.
Unrelated but also: there's a curling community in Missoula now? Everybody needs to stop giving me more reasons to want to move back to my hometown!
I got to the one in Columbia, SC at 4:30, very late for many reasons, with my very old toy maltipoo in her buggy. As we limped toward the designated area, several leaving were bubbling with pride and excitement, and one white woman gave this old white woman her sign--black votes matter. At the State House there were still over 100 people there with 2 different groups of officers--state and local--there to protect all. As I waved my sign, I first noticed the quiet energy and creative signage of the protesters. Then came the chuckle as I realized that an African-America guy across from me was in his pink shirt that proclaimed: We need women in office. The officers were sharing their observations about the incredible size of our group, and grabbing photos for their fellow officers who couldn't be there because of other duties. We chatted and a few told me how proud they were of our "group" and the way we were handling ourselves. My little one got enough gentle loving to last her for weeks. The noise never stopped; it was coming from the honking cars riding by and yelling support and encouragement. Our number were over 2,000 standing, and we've no way to even estimate the numbers of cars or people in them, but in my half hour I counted over 200 cars with passengers waving or doing fist bump signs. I was fearful about going until I got there, and then it was pure energy and joy.
This is such a beautiful story, Gail!
I shared this post on my Instagram and Facebook. It's really beautiful. Thank you!
Thank you Tammy!