Chicagoans Protest Against Trump

Photo Taken by Cody Michaels

At 5:30pm on Wednesday, Nov 9, hundreds of people organized in Downtown, Chicago to protest after the very recent announcement of the new presidential elect, Donald Trump.

First conjuring in front of the Trump Tower, located at 401 N. Wabash Ave. in Chicago, the protesters went on to march through the streets of the River North area before settling again at the intersection of Wabash and Wacker Drive. The anti-Trump protest continued for nine hours, extending into the early hours of Thursday morning.

The sights of that evening were incredible, regardless of political ideology. From blocks away the roars of protesters could be heard, chanting “We want a president, not a racist”, “Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go!”, and “This is a peaceful protest!” Enthusiasm and passion flooded the protestors, and their energy was infectious. Marching through traffic on North State Street, many watching from their cars honked in support or held their hands out to high-five those marching by.

(Photo taken by Cody Michaels. )

Although the chants alternated between a dozen different phrases, the reason for organizing seemed consistent amongst all. Everyone knows Donald Trump will be the President come January. There is no changing this fact.

“The significance is to sooth the minds and fears of those shaken by the outcome of yesterday. Whether this makes any difference, I’m not sure, but gathering lets people know we’re here for each other,” said Russell, one of the participating protesters.

This idea of support and reassurance that Russell conveyed was certainly captured by the array of messages written on the signs that most protesters carried and hoisted proudly in the air.

Many signs read, “No To Trump! No To Racism & War!,” “Love Trumps Hate,” and “Not My President.” Others carried foreign flags, large banners, and homemade signs reading “Unite To Fight War, Racism, & Inequality,” “Not Welcome: Racism, Homophobia, Transphobia, Xenophobia, Trump,” or simply “You Matter & I Care”.

Members of LGBTQ communities, immigrants, Muslims, women, and people of color are scared. With the statements made by Donald Trump in his campaign and by his running mate Mike Pence, the upcoming administration opposes same-sex marriage while claiming to support conversion therapy, a controversial mental health practice aimed to “cure” individuals of his or her homosexuality.

Other intentions of this administration include mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and imposing a Muslim registry. Trump and Pence also openly reject climate change as a Chinese hoax. These stances are the reason that many people are fearful of the next four years.

When the soon-to-be leader of our country so openly denounces the lives of so many, those people need to know that the entire country has not abandoned them. The protests relay the message that every person’s rights will be fought for.

"We must stand with immigrants, Muslims, women, LGBTQ members, communities of color, and all those who are in danger and will be under attack during a Trump administration,” reads the description of a Facebook event page for another protest in Chicago, organized by the ANSWER (Act Now to Stop Wars and End Racism) Chicago coalition.

Protests occurred in major cities across the United States and even across the Atlantic as well, taking place in Miami, New York, Columbus, Portland, Los Angeles, and London, among several others.

However, some of these rallies turned violent, such as the protest in Portland, Oregon. It was reported that 26 protestors were arrested. Some began to throw rocks, bottles, and flares at police officers. Others broke windows of businesses and a car dealership was vandalized.

It is because of the physical disputes that broke out in other cities that Chicago should be proud of the organizers who protested. News reports say just five people were arrested on misdemeanor charges including obstructing traffic, criminal trespass, and reckless conduct.

Officer Pienta, one of the police officers posted at Wacker and Wabash during the Chicago protest, claimed to his knowledge there had not been any severe problems which called for drastic police action.

In fact, his calm demeanor and absence of aggression suggested the officer was not disturbed by the events of that night by any means. When asked of his general opinion of the protest itself, Pienta replied, “this is normal. These people have their right to gather and protest. As long as everyone remains peaceful, the police don’t have reason to interfere.”

With the results of the 2016 election causing so much divisive behavior, one can only hope that the nation can overcome it. Hopefully these protests are just part of the healing process for American citizens.