We talked earlier this week about local mobilization . . . Here's the glimpse at the start of Kansas City protest and how it's taking shape . . .
CHECK THIS MESSAGE TO KANSAS CITY PROTESTERS AND A PREVIEW OF THEIR MARCH AND RALLY AGAINST PREZ-ELECT TRUMP'S INAUGURATION!!!
Here's the word . . .
Message from the organizers, please read:
This morning a group of us walked the protest route, and things are looking solid. A lot of planning and organization has gone into this event, and we are confident that things will go smoothly. This will be a massive display of resistance against the incoming Trump Regime, right in the heart of Kansas City. Initially this protest was started by a couple individuals, but as the numbers started pouring in, community orgs such as Progressive Youth Organization (PYO), the Green Party and local IWW stepped up to provide some organizational backing and assistance.
Regardless of all the planning and the detailing, this is a protest, not a perfectly manicured parade, so things will remain fluid on the ground and plans may change to meet any unexpected conditions that could occur. Stay vigilant, and stay alert.
The primary purposes of this protest can be summed up as 1) to demonstrate to Trump and his people that they will be met with mass resistance at every turn, 2) to get organized and start building for the long haul, 3) to give marginalized communities a platform to speak and to vent frustrations against the incoming regime.
Now to answer some common questions/concerns:
- Location: We will be gathering across the street from Union Station at 2 p.m., on the lawn leading up to the WWI memorial. Speakers will be on the stairs at the memorial, with rally goers in the grassy area. We will walk up Main Street to City Hall, then rally there with more speakers.
- Speakers: We have confirmed speakers from the following organizations - Partnership for the Advancement of Immigrant Students (PAIS), Black Youth Committee (BYC), Let’s Organize the Hood/Black Autonomy Foundation, Progressive Youth Organization (PYO), Green Party, Squad of Siblings (SoS), Una Lucha, Kansas City Revolutionary Collective (KCRC), Proletarian Feminist Committee (PFC), and Young Democratic Socialists. There will also be individuals speaking on immigrant issues, as well as issues facing the Muslim community. We encourage people to get involved in these organizations. There will also be time for an open mic at the end.
- Dress Appropriately: Keep an eye on the weather forecast. The temperature is going to be mild, but there’s a small chance for rain, so you might consider bringing an umbrella.
- Bring a water bottle: There will be groups handing out water, but it’s always good to have your own just in case.
- March Slowly: This is not a race to city hall. We will have a couple banners up front leading the march, and the goal is to move at a very slow pace. This will make the demonstration last longer, while also making it more accessible for disabled folks.
- Buddy System: Make sure you have a buddy. If you’re flying solo, try to join up with people there. If you’re in a group, be welcoming to solo people who are in need of buddies.
- Parking: you can park anywhere along or near Main Street and take the train (free of charge) to Union Station. Otherwise there are parking garages and other options in the area. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, give yourself extra time for parking.
- Stay on Sidewalks: It will be a bit of a squeeze, but the goal is to stay on the sidewalk. As soon as you step into the streets, you could be putting yourself at risk of arrest.
- Media: The media will be about. History shows us that the mainstream media is not on the side of the oppressed, or protesters in general. If you decide you want to talk to the media, make sure to have a couple of talking points ready and just reiterate those talking points.
- Hecklers: Undoubtedly there will be hecklers. Do not engage them. Do not touch them at all. If they become a nuisance, drown them out with a coordinated chant.
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