More than 300 people filled both floors of Fountain Street Church’s social hall in Grand Rapids to hear local activists speak out on rising concerns under the new Trump administration on Saturday, Feb. 1. Originally intended to solely be an indoor, human rights event organized by the Grand Rapids Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, the rally spilled out into the streets and turned into an advocacy march of nearly 1,000 people.

Individuals representing the Grand Rapids Climate Coalition, GR Rapid Response to ICE, Grand Rapids Pride Center, Planned Parenthood and Grand Valley State University’s Progressive Student Union (PSU) spoke at the event. The groups called for support, awareness and change amid controversial actions made by President Donald Trump. Speakers addressed issues including immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, economic struggle, the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and climate change, furthering momentum in the City for political action.
Former Kent County Commissioner and Michigan State Senate candidate Ivan Diaz addressed attendees, imploring the crowd to continue efforts of support in the “struggle of a lifetime.”

“Never ever be afraid to get into good, necessary trouble,” Diaz said. “I’m looking forward to seeing you all out on the streets, at the ballot box, city council meetings, school board meetings, town hall meetings, in Lansing (and) in D.C.”
Sam Tunningley, an organizer of the event, said he believes it’s time for not just local solidarity, but international solidarity.
“I want everyone to really internalize international solidarity,” Tunningley said.

While the event itself acknowledged various issues, the focus of the resulting march was largely on immigration. Protesters filled the streets and blocked traffic as they marched towards Monroe Avenue, where they were eventually pushed onto the sidewalk by Grand Rapids Police Department officers.
“We’re out here speaking up for people that can’t,” a protester shouted. “We’re the daughters of immigrants, so we just want everyone to know that we’re not gonna stay down.”

Numerous protesters mentioned their support for undocumented immigrants against threats from the Trump administration. Supporters drove past the march waving Mexican flags while protesters chanted, “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.”
“We are under attack,” another protester voiced in the crowd. “(The government is) attacking immigrants who are working in the fields, restaurants, hotels (and) everywhere. Trump is a criminal. (Immigrants are) coming here to work, looking for a better life and this f*cker wants to deport us.”

Many students from GVSU stood among the protesters, leading chants and holding homemade signs. Dorian Fedewa, a senior at the University, was in attendance to respond to the impact Trump’s policies have on his rights as a transgender person.
“I see all of our struggles as interconnected,” Fedewa said. “If I’m struggling, everybody else is too. That’s why I’m here.”
Fedewa said he was empowered by the march, and glad to see such a large turnout of like-minded advocates.

“I’ve been really depressed the past couple of weeks with everything going on, but seeing how many good people there are willing to stand up for others makes me hopeful,” Fedewa said.
Tunningley said the impact the event had on people such as Fedewa is exactly what he hoped for.
“I’ve been organizing for about five years and that (the march) was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen,” Tunningley said. “Being around them (community members) just fills your heart with optimism and that’s why we stress that people should get out onto the streets and take matters into their own hands.”
Student advocacy at the University will continue, with a protest organized by PSU in response to ICE action and immigration policy planned to take place Friday, Feb. 7.