by Daniel, volunteer with Refuse Fascism
Thousands, some in costume, were spread across the National Mall by the Washington Monument facing the Sylvan Theater. Waking Stone energized the crowd with their anthems for this movement. Then Sam Goldman and Reverend Bouie kicked off the rally. The speakers reflected the broad unity that is needed to call forth millions – who are the only force powerful enough to drive the fascist Trump regime from power.
The march itself was diverse and spirited, with dancing, chanting, and signing throughout that brought home the message Trump Must Go Now! There was a moment when the handmaids, the DC street marching band, and the banners all came to the front for a powerful convergence.
Student speakers from both coasts called on young people to join the fight.
“I’m not some prestigious figure. I’m just a student with a dream who hopped on a bus from Connecticut. I did because I had to.”
“I am here because free speech is under attack! The rule of law is under attack! We can’t rely on Democrats or anyone else! We have proven that we the people are the real power in this country!”
“I can retake a class next semester, but there won’t be any more time to root out fascism’s grip on our democracy!”
Sunsara Taylor
“Food lines stretch into despair,” she began, building a foundation for why this sustained non-violent protest in D.C. is needed. Although Nov. 5th was an important first step, “…now we have to take these thousands and rapidly become millions. Not sometime in the distant future, but right now!” She then highlighted three “profound truths”: this is fascism, we can’t “rely on elections” to defeat, and this fascist regime can be defeated. She concludes with this: “We have to unite all that can be united” to remove the Trump fascist regime.
Andy Zee closed the rally by reminding people of the significance of what was started. “We did a great thing today! We launched the beginning of the end of the Trump Fascist Regime…” Yet he warned: “the thousands that came out today have to become tens of thousands in the next week! Hundreds of thousands by the end of the month! But, that’s on you and it’s on us.”
The event closed with some powerful musical performances calling on listeners to choose a side before it is selected for you.