By Roberta Alvarado | OBSERVER Correspondent
Over the course of six days, Sacramento became the focal point for two major protests, both challenging the current administration’s policies. The demonstrations began with the 50501 movement on Presidents Day and culminated in a Pro-Immigration Rally on Feb. 22. On Feb. 17, the 50501 movement took to the West steps of the State Capitol, holding signs demanding the rejection of fascism and the defense of democracy. The movement called for 50 protests in 50 states on the same day.
Many of the signs expressed anger at President Trump’s attacks on regulatory agencies, mass firings of federal workers, Elon Musk’s overreach, and the controversial Project 2025 agenda. Topics such as immigration, women’s rights, and equality were also central to the protests. The protesters rallied against Trump’s strategy of bombarding the public with overwhelming news cycles, which they believe is designed to push people into inaction.
A woman identified only as Birdie, who attended the protest with her daughters, Aundya and April, said she had raised them to stand up for what matters, having brought them to protests when they were children. They were there to support federal workers facing layoffs and firings due to newly implemented policies.
A retired teacher, who chose to remain anonymous, held a sign reading, “What’s Wrong With Teaching The Truth” with a bold red line crossing out the words “Project 2025.” The flip side of her sign read, “No Human Is Illegal On Stolen Land.”
Debora Taylor stood in front of a 10-foot inflatable Trump chicken, holding a sign that read, “Resist the Clown.” When asked why she was there, Taylor said, “I’m here to protect our democracy and make sure our rights remain intact. I’m here to represent the people. We are strong in numbers. Donald Trump is trying to change everything and take away our constitutional rights. We love America, we want it to continue, we want to work with our allies, and we will not support Project 2025.”
Just five days later, on Feb. 22, community activist and organizer Xico Gonzalez led a Pro-Immigration Rally at Cesar Chavez Park.
Featured speaker and Pan-African activist Ahjamu Umi spoke passionately about the need for unity. “Keep that positive spirit,” he urged the crowd. “Join an organization working for justice, stay strong. Victory is in sight, we will win, forward ever, backwards never!”