Chanting “This is what democracy looks like,” groups opposed to certain actions of the Trump administration gathered in Raleigh’s Halifax Mall on Saturday.
Similar protests took place across the nation, including in Durham and in 20 other North Carolina cities and towns.
Bearing signs with messages that included “Equal rights for all,” “In science we trust” and “Resist,” the crowd listened to speakers then marched around the North Carolina legislative building bearing their messages to make themselves heard.
“I
was at the Hands Off protest, I’ve been going to the Tesla takedown protests,
I’ve been to four of those,” said Cynthia Smith.
“I’m fighting for our democracy. I’m fighting for our environment,” she said.
In Raleigh, the day was called a “March for Justice and Unity,” and organizers posted three demands:
1. Due process for both citizens and non-citizens in the U.S.
2. The passage of House Bill 691: The Voter Protection and Reliance Act, which requires votes to be counted under the laws and procedures in place on election day.
Since the November 2024 election, a North Carolina race for state Supreme Court has been held up by challenges, including the request by Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin that some 60,000 votes should be thrown out
3. A “Moral Budget,” as defined by the Poor People’s Campaign.
The Poor People’s Campaign advocates for resources to be allocated differently to create a more equitable economy, including a reduction in military spending and an increase in taxes on the wealthy.
Asked for a comment, Matt Mercer, communications director for the North Carolina Republican Party changed the subject from economic issues to immigration.
He said, “While Democrats are championing the cause of an illegal
immigrant gang member this week, President Trump and Republicans are delivering
wins for the American people.”
>> PHOTOS: 50501 rally in downtown Raleigh
The crowd included young and old — elementary school student Eleanor Herman said, “I feel proud that I was able to be here today.” — and a mix of races.
“It is bringing people together from all walks of life,” said Christian Ananda.
Leah
Fowler, who was employed at the Environmental Protection Agency until the Trump administration started making cuts, said she’s attended multiple demonstrations the last few weeks, but this one
felt different.
“Every
single week that goes by, I think we’re getting more and more people who are
realizing, like, ‘Oh no, this is way, way worse than we could have ever
anticipated,” she said.
Organizers promised to take their message to Washington, D.C., in a series of monthly “Moral Monday” marches.
“If you want to take the train, the plane, the bus and join us, it starts on April the 28th and it’s going to be the first Monday of every month until justice rolls down like water from D.C.,” a speaker told the crowd.
Organizers in Durham said they would “call on Trump and Elon Musk to stop eroding our democracy and to stop federal cuts to programs that the middle class and working families rely on.”
About 1,000 people gathered at the iconic Bull by CCB Plaza for an event co-sponsored by the Durham Democrats, Engaged Durhamites for Democracy, and the Durham Progressive Democrats.
The protests are part of a national day of action for the 50501 (Fifty Fifty One) coalition, a group that describes its mission as “the fight to uphold the Constitution and end executive overreach.”
The group’s website listed more than 750 events planned nationwide on April 19.