Students, teachers, and concerned citizens flooded the streets near Tulsa City Hall.
Thousands of people across the country traveled to their state capitol to participate in protests of President Donald Trump and his executive orders on Feb. 5. They were inspired by activists and protests advertised on social media. The orders they protested against included: increased raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the abolition of the Department of Education and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and putting tariffs on American trade partners causing inflation. They further protested the considerable increase in power to billionaires, the fact that Trump has threatened invasion upon two fellow members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and his proposal of an American invasion of the Gaza Strip, which would result in the displacement of its population.
These protests occurred in all 50 states in state capitals and major cities, one of which was in Tulsa. Initially, the protest was planned to be held right outside Guthrie Green, an urban community park located in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District, facing the News On 6 building, but plans were changed. As the group of a few dozen people faced the news building and received a few encouraging honks from passing cars, they were informed of a larger protest that was taking place outside Tulsa City Hall where over a hundred concerned Oklahomans were protesting the president and his administration.
Protesters made posters that read, “Gaza should not be rich men riviera,” “We Elected a Madman” and “LOVE PEACE MERCY” among others. Hundreds of like-minded people fighting against nazism, the Ku Klux Klan and other oppressions shouted out chants. These chants were then accompanied by dozens of honking cars full of people who agreed with the protesters. Throughout the sounds of chants and honks, there were speeches by anyone that wanted to speak. Teachers, nurses and even high school students spoke to the crowd informing people of how the administration was affecting their personal life. The organizers encouraged the crowd to be less dependent on the government by shopping locally instead of supporting major corporations.
Protesters also told people to look up multiple organizations including the Black Farmers Index, which is an index of independent black farmers who sell fresh produce in an effort to support small businesses. The protest at Tulsa City Hall lasted for over two hours. In the middle of the protest, the protesters received confirmation that high schoolers throughout the Tulsa Public School District were walking out of their classes in protest of the Trump administration as well. During the protest, a Tulsa Public School bus passed by Tulsa City Hall, and dozens of students cheered out of support for the cause.
It was very impactful seeing so many protesters exercising their First Amendment rights to free speech and the ability to peacefully assemble. While the nation is quite divided, all Americans can agree that freedom of speech is an important right to exercise because all people, especially in this country, should have the right to express their beliefs and stand for what they believe in.
