As the Trump presidency nears its first 100 days mark – and as spring arrives – various organizations are planning marches in the nation’s capital. Following on the momentum from the widely-attended Women’s March, protests in April and May will cover an extensive range of issues, from immigrants’ rights to climate change. If you are interested in stretching your political muscles, and are not burdened by the fast-approaching IB exams, here are some forthcoming protests in the DC area.
April 22: The March for Science
On Earth Day, scientists and nonscientists alike will march on the National Mall, to demonstrate a common passion for science and “to sound a call to support and safeguard the scientific community”. It is a non-partisan, international march, and is happening in more than 400 cities around the world. The march is organized by volunteers and members of the scientific community with goals to embolden the public, advocate inclusive and accessible scientific education, and support scientists.
Webpage: https://www.marchforscience.com/event-details/
April 29: People’s Climate Movement March
On the 100th day of the new presidency, protesters of the Trump administration’s policies of climate change will congregate outside of the White House. Paul Getsos, the national coordinator for People’s Climate Movement, calls the march part of the fight to prevent a rollback of progress on climate change. The goal of the march is to pressure leaders on the Hill to advance solutions to the climate crisis, stop attacks on immigrants and indigenous communities, and fund investments for a clean and renewable energy economy.
Webpage: https://peoplesclimate.org/
May 1: The Immigrants’ March
As many students and faculty members are themselves immigrants, the Immigrants’ March is especially pertinent to the WIS community. On the first day of May, protesters will convene in Lafayette Square and will march along the National Mall. On its Facebook page, the organisers of the march state their goal: to protest the “attacks on immigrants and refugees under the Trump administration”. The organisers have also emphasized that the march will not simply be a national protest, but a national day of strike as well.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/245084992585200/?active_tab=about
June 11: The Equality March for Unity and Pride
The Equality March for Unity and Pride is a proposed protest in collaboration with the annual D.C. Pride celebrations. Originally called ‘Gays on the Mall’, the protest was planned by Brooklyn resident David Bruinooge, who was inspired by the crowds at the Women’s March. The march is still in its early days of planning, but has already attracted 116,000 ‘interested’, and 35,000 ‘going’ attendants on its Facebook page.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1949652305264195/
By: Rosie Bradbury