Grassroots Anti-Trump Movement Hits West State Street for Ukraine
TRENTON - Mobilizing on West State Street in the State Capital, members of the New Jersey Chapter of 50501, a peaceful and progressive grassroots movement, today protested the Trump Administration's Ukraine policy.
The independent volunteers expressed their opposition to what they call President Trump's "disturbing and heartless treatment of Ukraine. Preventable attacks against a sovereign nation have occurred because of the President's refusal to share intelligence."
The action coincided with a similar protest staged across the river by the Pennsylvania Chapter of 50501.
The organizers held signs aloft to passing cars and pedestrians, frequently eliciting expressed support for their cause.
The first 50501 protests consisted of a decentralized rapid response to "the anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies." The idea—50 protests in 50 states on 1 day—was born on r/50501 and spread rapidly on social media.
"I was thrilled that we were able to work with our featured speakers, Dr. Herbert Conaway, congressman of New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District, and Reverend Kinahan, the only transgender reverend in New Jersey," said organizer Olivia. "Herbert Conaway coming out showed our attendees that there are still people in government with the will to fight for common citizens. The Reverend's speech spoke to a hope for the future and a certainty that we will win this battle-- it may not be easy, but we will win. I am honored to be a part of this group. Together, we fight not only for our own rights, but also the rights of many generations to come. I am insanely proud of all that this team has accomplished. This is only our 4th event together, but I cannot wait to see what else we will achieve in the future."
Said Megan, of 50501:
"After every protest, the thing we walk away proudest of is the community we are growing. So many protesters, both online and in person, have told me about the relief they feel within this movement-- they don't feel alone, they don't have to hide their politics and they don't have to pretend everything is normal. At every event, we see people who walk away more hopeful than they walked in. It is a privilege to provide this space and build this community.
"I cannot overstate how affronted the entire NJ organizational team is at the shameful and inhumane treatment our country has shown to both Ukraine and President Zelensky. First and foremost, the US must resume sharing intelligence with Ukraine-- even this short pause in doing so has resulted in entirely preventable deaths. Our government should be firmly standing behind Ukraine and providing aid for their defense, as they are not and never have been the aggressor in this fight. President Trump's statements implicitly blaming Ukraine for Russia's aggression are a slap in the face to every American who has stood with Ukraine."
According to #50501's website:
"In just days, grassroots organizers—without any budget, centralized structure, or official backing—pulled off over 80 peaceful protests in all 50 states. Twelve days later, tens of thousands of Americans declared 'No Kings Day' and protested once more. On March 4th, a call to stand up for democracy was answered with another wave of protests."
