Keep Resisting Together!

On March 28th, the day when many came together and protested in Philadelphia, the sun came out and folks seemed so determined to bring about change.

In Minneapolis, the flagship event, Bruce Springsteen performed a solo version of The Streets of Minneapolis. He described the bravery of the city's citizens and how they increased their strength by standing up for one another. Many of us are listening.

Jen McCool, a friend, protested in North Charleston, SC and said she does it to be counted among those who "are willing to sacrifice their free time to stand up for what they believe in." Eight of her friends joined together to send a message with their voices and signs to current leaders. At these events Jen enjoys waving at people driving by, "especially those who give you the finger," she says. But she also finds that "most people are honking and cheering in support."

News organizations reported that upwards of 40,000 people attended Philadelphia's No Kings protest. While the estimate for the first such gathering last June put the number at 70,000, the drop does not represent declining interest.

Back in June of last year, Philadelphia was the flagship event and presumably many traveled to hear speakers like Bishop William J. Barber II and U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) Nationwide, news organizations put the number of March 28th protestors at about 8 million—all those who, as Jen says, were willing to give up their time to make their voices heard.

"I think getting outside and voicing your stance with friends is good for the soul and when I see the numbers of those who are on the streets protesting it gives me hope," Jen says, and she adds "it lets [people] in other countries know how many US citizens do not support this administration in hope that one day we can repair relationships with our alliances."

I agree. When I post something related to a protest, I'm especially heartened by the friends abroad who respond. But it will take a lot of effort to restore our country's relationships with former allies as the US wages an unauthorized war and threatens to annihilate the citizens of Iran—who we were allegedly trying to protect.

Thomas Platt, another friend, argues that "this country is being run by con artists [who] played the pied piper flute to convince many that the country was going in the wrong direction, and that [they] these con artists, would shift it in the right direction. Instead, when elected, they showed their true colors and are [pursuing] their own self interests."

The struggles of many here prove his point. People cannot afford to pay for necessities and are shocked to see ICE trying to kidnap long-time friends and neighbors. Under these circumstances, street protests are a starting rather than an ending point.

As a semi-retired teacher, I have more time on my hands than many, so I'm always looking for more ways to push back. I have gone back to Stephen Girard Elementary School, where I used to work in South Philly, to help tutor students learning English. But this feels like an extension of what I've always done, rather than stepping up in a big way.

So recently I've started following a group called NO ICE Philly. The news reports that some of their protestors have been arrested in front of the ICE field office. I admire their bravery, but I'm not sure I want to spend a night in jail. So, what else?

"We need to build community power," said Sarah Parker, 50501 national coordinator, on a mass No Kings organizing call. What does building community power look like for you?

Even though I am not a member of any religious organizations, I have started the application process to help mentor young immigrants through CWS, a faith-based organization headquartered in Lancaster PA.

Is that an act of resistance? I don't know. I think if it turns out that I'm helping someone feel a little more secure, that will be a start.

Our next Breaking Bread with Neighbors gathering will take place on April 21st at the Penn Wynne Library from 5:30-7:00 pm. This group is an effort to build a community space for diverse voices; it's probably past time to talk about how to protect ALL our neighbors.

Please don't forget to share some of the other ways you are resisting. Stay strong!