“I feel like one voice can change the world, so it’s important I make the effort to step up in this moment,” said Maragret Crawford, who attended our sign-making party this week.
The party was part of our launch for Protest Ready GA, a new resource hub aimed at empowering Georgians with the knowledge, tools, and support to protest peacefully. It also served as preparation for the “No Kings” rally in Atlanta on Saturday, June 14. Communities nationwide will gather to condemn President Trump’s abuses of power and send a clear message that the government must serve the people. We provided supplies, sample slogans, and good vibes as attendees created protest signs together.
Inside the IBEW Auditorium, supporters from partner organizations, students from across metro Atlanta, and families with kids enjoyed music, munched on pizza, and connected with others who are fighting for democracy, reproductive freedom, and racial justice. Here’s what they had to say about why they will attend the rally:
- Crawford, of Atlanta, watched as people protested the murder of George Floyd in 2020. She was inspired by the response she witnessed and felt Floyd’s death prompted politicians to make strides toward criminal legal reforms, but the current environment is not conducive for positive changes. She’d like to push for improvements in our legal system, and against bans to DEI.
- Jaden Brooks, 18, participated in our legal observer training and wanted to get plugged in before Saturday’s rally. “Democracy is a risk,” he said, noting many of his Gen Z peers are concerned about their right to free speech. He fretted that it feels like their ability to speak out against things like war and anti-immigration actions are being put to the test.
- May Tee, a member of Indivisible and Intown Women’s Resistance, wants to connect with more like-minded people. Everyone is feeling the impacts of the president’s policies, she said, so collectively resisting now will serve to better protect our communities moving forward. “We can stick together and effectively defend against elements of facism that are growing every day.”
The ACLU of Georgia and other progressive organizations will gather with supporters at Liberty Plaza in Atlanta on Saturday. Trump’s actions have heavily impacted the state, with cuts to the CDC, attacks on DEI in education, and immigration arrests. Join your neighbors; speak truth to power.
Check out photos from the Sign-Making Party:
