Video: It's 'Not My President's Day,' Protesters Say As They Rally In The Loop
By aaroncynic in News on Feb 20, 2017 6:36PM
Not My President's Day protesters in action. Photo via Aaron Cynic/Chicagoist
They're calling it Not My President's Day. Hundreds, if not thousands of demonstrators are expected to turn up in the Loop Monday afternoon to protest President Donald Trump on Presidents’ Day.
“Donald Trump does not represent our values, and therefore we refuse to honor him on President's Day,” reads a statement from organizers of the event on Facebook. “Instead, we will honor the principles of democracy for which our previous Presidents fought valiantly: the right to assemble, and the right to fight for those of our brothers and sisters who have not yet been included in the word ‘equal.’”
Demonstrators began assembling across the river from Trump Tower at noon. The protest is one of many that have occurred over the holiday weekend nationwide. On Sunday, more than a thousand people marched through the Loop on the one month anniversary of Trump’s inauguration. As with many of the dozens of protests that have occurred regularly since his election, organizers say Trump and his policies, including his immigration ban, statements towards women, people of color, Muslims and LGBTQ people aren’t representative of Americans.
“This is really a chance to speak up and call out the actions of the administration and give voice to the fact that we’re not going to stand for this,” co-coordinator Lindsey Andersen told WTTW last week. “We don’t find this acceptable and this needs to change.”
In addition to the rally, which is scheduled to go until at least 4pm, a separate group is planning a “danced demonstration” at the corner of Wacker and Wabash.
“This is not anti-Trump, but rather PRO women, LGBTQIA, racial and religious diversity, peace, cultural equity, social justice, and Constitutional freedoms throughout the next 4 years,” say organizers.
Earlier Monday morning, unidentified persons hung a “fuck Trump” banner over a viaduct in Humboldt Park.
"Fuck Trump" banner drop in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood this morning. pic.twitter.com/ZXxI6CLpOe
— Chicago Rising (@ChicagoRising) February 20, 2017
Here's a first look at the sights and sounds of today's protest downtown:
Hundreds already filling the area across from Trump Tower Chicago #NOTMYPRESIDENTSDAY pic.twitter.com/RZiM6bsIsj
— Aaron Cynic (@aaroncynic) February 20, 2017
"He (Trump) does not represent our values" #NOTMYPRESIDENTSDAY Chicago pic.twitter.com/CAS1n1ODal
— Aaron Cynic (@aaroncynic) February 20, 2017
. @ACLUofIL speaks on issues they will oppose Trump on #NOTMYPRESIDENTSDAY Chicago pic.twitter.com/MY2Zbifojp
— Aaron Cynic (@aaroncynic) February 20, 2017