WASHINGTON — The heat of the late summer sun simmered onto Malcolm X Park on Saturday as thousands gathered for the “We Are All D.C.” march. The Free D.C. Project organized the march to protest President Donald Trump’s federal occupation of the district, prompted by his claims of excessive crime and homelessness.
The large crowd consisted of city residents, labor unions and grass-roots political organizations outraged by Trump’s deployment of the National Guard, in addition to the Immigrant and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids swarming various communities.
“It’s too much,” says Laverne Smalls, a D.C. native. “Anywhere you go there’s going to be some sort of crime or unrest, but clearly this is over-policing.”
Lora Mackie and David Minor, a couple who served in the U.S. Army, held a poster that read “Veterans Against a Police State” amid the seemingly endless sea of homemade anti-Trump signs, Palestine flags and inflatable sandwich balloons.
“I feel a kinship with the soldiers who are here and don’t want to be,” Mackie said. “They want to be home with their families and at their jobs.”
Both Mackie and Minor emphasized the challenges of being a voice of resistance in the military.
“You can’t speak out. You are sworn to follow your orders [and] serve with the pleasure of the president. It’s very frustrating.”
The couple were not the only military-related protesters. Bruce Hawkins held up a sign reading, “My father was Antifa, too,” alongside a picture of his father, Glyde Hawkins, who served in World War II.
“My father was a Republican from day one, but he would have lost his patience with this overreach of presidential power,” Hawkins said. “I’m not sure he would agree with the use of the military you see here today.”
“We are showing that we care and cannot be divided.”
— Patrick Kent
The march was not only a form of protest, but also a way to build community and celebrate the city’s diverse culture. Attendees distributed flyers, picket signs and masks for the march, which started at Malcolm X Park on 16th Street and ended at Freedom Plaza in downtown Washington. Organizers offered free water and coffee, along with a complimentary bus service to Freedom Plaza. A DJ in the center of the park played a mix of sounds, including go-go, reggaeton and Bob Marley.
Around 12:30 p.m., the march began.
City streets boomed with the sound of chants echoing off buildings. As the massive group passed by, onlookers cheered, some holding signs and waving flags of their own. Chants in English and Spanish, and occasionally a drumline and horn section, matched the rhythm. The Metropolitan Police Department was present, but officers silently watched as they blocked off intersecting streets.
The people of D.C. were not afraid to make their voices heard through this march and are utilizing community efforts until their demands are met.
“The politicians are not going to save us,” attendee Patrick Kent said. “We are showing that we care and cannot be divided.”
Kevin Vaughn is a reporter for HUNewsService.com. He also covers environmental, energy and transportation stories.
