DeKALB – Hundreds gathered at Hopkins Park in DeKalb to rally against President Donald Trump’s administration with signs such as “Trump is destroying democracy” and “Resist the monarchy” on Saturday as part of a nationwide anti-Trump protest called No Kings. The event highlighted community concerns over potential social security cuts, reductions in federal funding, lack of due process for deportations and more.
The demonstration followed a series of nationwide protests called “Hands Off!” that occurred on April 5.
Protesters lined Sycamore Road at noon and eventually marched to Barber Greene Road where they crossed the street and marched back to Hopkins Park.
The event was co-sponsored by DeKalb Migrant Aid, Responsive Engagement Activating Civic Talent (REACT), the DeKalb County Democratic Party and Exploring Issues.
DeKalb resident and host of the podcast “Surviving 47 with Papa Mike” Mike Donovan expressed frustration over what he says is the rise of fascism and oligarchy in the U.S.
“I’m 64, I was hoping to retire in a couple years, I know that’s not gonna happen now,” Donovan said.
This was in reference to planned cuts to the Social Security Administration that could affect the 72.5 million social security recipients including retirees.
“They’ve been setting this up for years, the rich are just controlling everything and this is what they’ve been planning,”Donovan said. “We don’t matter but we have the numbers, so we really do matter.”
Andrew Wanek, a DeKalb resident and architect who spoke at the event before the march started, voiced his concerns regarding tariffs, the treatment of international students and federal funding cuts.
“My husband works at the university and we are afraid of the cuts and the way international students have been treated,” Wanek said. “I’m also part of a non-profit here that just lost some of its federal funding from an unelected billionaire.”
Wanek emphasized the importance of collective action and exercising the right to protest.
“Right now we’re in absolute crisis. This is the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, and we are still doing this,” Wanek said. “We’re still having an American Revolution because our constitution is being run over. It’s being degraded bit by bit and if people don’t stand up we’re going to lose it.”
Jodi Boston, a farmer in Southwest DeKalb, said she is concerned about social security, women’s rights and the Trump administration as a whole.
“I’m hoping things will be better for my grandchildren,” Boston said.
Savannah Mathis, a Cortland resident and nurse, shared her worries about the erosion of due process and national division.
“Going forward, I’m concerned that Trump is going to try and ignore the courts, specifically the Supreme Court, and if he does that there are no checks and balances for him to abide by, which he is blatantly ignoring currently,” Mathis said. “And if he can do that, he can disappear people whenever he waves his magic finger.”
Mathis placed importance on unity and solidarity as a point of hope for the future of the U.S.
“Continue to stand strong for justice and justice will stand for you,” Mathis said.
