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Photo by Najee Walker
Photo by Najee Walker

Buffalo's Inaugural Resistance Weekend

by / Jan. 23, 2017 11am EST

On Friday the United States of America received its 45th president, Donald Trump. And for many around the nation, this may have well seemed like the end of the world. However, to many of the same people, it may have just been the beginning of a new fight.

People have been steeling themselves against this day and the following four years since election night or earlier. Local progressives particularly have been waiting anxiously for the day that a reality TV star and real estate mogul would be elevated to president.

It did not come quietly, however, as organization that strive for social justice took to the streets to speak out against Donald Trump, his cabinet, and in some cases local legislation. Buffalo was not shy to step out and have its voice be heard as well.

Organizers hosted “Buffalo Resistance Weekend,” a three-day series of planned rallies and marches, dedicated to building a community and fighting together. Roughly 30 different organizations from the Western New York area, including Planned Parenthood, Buffalo Anti-Racism Coalition (BARC), WNY Peace Center, SEIU 1199, Burning Books, Citizen Action, Interfaith Peace Network, and Stronger Together took the time to prepare a weekend of fighting back against the ideological wave of Donald Trump.

Buffalo Resistance Weekend began with a party for the “end of the world” last Thursday. It was a small gathering of roughly sixty people. The party served more as a grounds for people to share and come together, as well as to inform people of how many different ways there are to get involved. Similarly, the party was used to educate those who needed it, on how they can get involved in the future. A gathering of artists, poets, and others came to reflect and speak openly about the incoming President.

Then on Inauguration Day many of the same people took to the streets in protest. As Donald Trump held his swearing-in ceremony organizers, supporters, and in some cases random passersby came together at Lafayette Square to begin their march.

Chants, cheers and the honking horns of nearby commuters, helped to keep spirits high as the large group of roughly one-hundred or more made their way around the city.

Nearby, a large police presence, including a crime scene unit.

“Do you notice how there is no crime going on?” one resistance supporter remarked. The police presence may have been Buffalo Police Department’s response to the riots the happened in Washington, DC during the inauguration.       

Despite that, the anti-Trump protesters kept it calm and civil, continuing their march, peacefully.

“This is a scary time,” said Cynthia Lehman of BARC. “But when I look at these wonderful faces, it gives me hope.”

If Friday’s march was an appetizer, then the Women’s March was certainly the main course. The event was set to begin at the 9th Ward on Delaware, where a “Solidarity Hub” took place. Food and drink were served, and there was even a television set up so that those inside could watch the Women’s March on Washington as it was televised on major news networks.

It was not long before the thousands gathered began their march toward Niagara Square. Some familiar faces from the night before led the groups once again with chanting and cheering. Men, women and children participated in the march.

For many people in the march, the motivation to march and to fight aside from a disdain for President Trump was family.

“I came out for my daughter,” said Devin Milbrand. “Her future, for sure. Women’s rights are very important, and I feel like they’re at risk right now. I feel like it’s important for all of us to come together and send a message.”

“I wanted to come out for my kids, my grandchildren,” said Leslie Kearney, whose father was a naval officer during World War II. Kearney was appalled to learn that “neo-Nazi” David Duke was happy to see Trump win the election, calling it the “most exciting time of his life.”

“This is for generations past, and future,” Kearney added. “And this country is so great, so we have to stand up. That’s what it’s all about.”

For others, the motivation was something more. Something stronger.

“For the last 37 years, I’ve looked at elections as they’ve come and gone, and I’ve seen a disturbing trend,” said Daniel Yox. “And I think this is the final straw.”

One very popular, and perhaps unsuspected face to pop up at the march was Princess Leia.

Carrie Fisher, who died on December 27, 2016 and who was best known for her Star Wars character, Princess Leia, made her own appearance on the signs and posters of protesters all over the nation, and Buffalo was no exception.

Princess Leia, to many, has always stood for feminism, hope, and ultimately: freedom.     

One little resistance member and her family held signs featuring the Princess that read: “A woman’s place is in the resistance.”

Nearly every organizer of some Western New York group got up to speak and address the thousands of people gathered at Niagara Square. Among them, County Executive, Mark Poloncarz.

“If one person is not free, then none of us are free,” Poloncarz proclaimed to the crowd. “Yesterday, he [President Trump] spoke about American carnage. Yes, we have issues to deal with in our country, but we do not have carnage.”

While most speakers did say something about Trump, the inauguration, and his rhetoric, Sarah Vernon, an organizer for Planned Parenthood, asked for something a little different. Vernon’s focus was asking people call the New York State senators and tell them to pass Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act and the Reproductive Health Act, both of which have the organization’s support.

Overall, whether it is the end of the world or not, Buffalo and much of the rest of the nation are not yet ready to admit defeat. Most agree that it will be a long four years of fighting. But it will be worth it, in the end.

 

 

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