People lined the streets of Champaign and Urbana Thursday night to show support for those hurt by federal policies under the Trump administration.
The “Be the Light” rally was organized by Chamapign County Indivisible, a local chapter of a statewide network of progressive groups in Illinois called Indivisible Illinois.
For the third time this year, attendees gathered along Kirby and Florida Avenue holding signs and flashlights to show their support for various causes, including immigrant rights and Palestinian liberation.
“We are all together,” said Tracey Dougan, one of the event organizers. “And I firmly believe that if enough people stand together and stand up against the injustices that are coming out of our White House every single day, at some point we will win.”
She said the goal was to remind people that collective action can lead to change. The group will continue to organize the event throughout the year until the chain of people stretches between Hessel Park in Champaign and Blair Park in Urbana, she added.
Ellen Wilcox attended the protest Thursday. She said she is worried that the community’s civil rights are being threatened.
“We are losing the rights to have protection when we’re falsely accused,” she said. “We’re losing the rights to speak our mind. We’re losing our neighbors, whether or not they’re immigrants, just because of the color of their skin.”
Wilcox said she believes it is important to show up for causes in person, but she understands that some people might not be comfortable or able to attend. She said those who cannot protest can make their voice heard by writing letters or calling their lawmakers.
Barbara Schleicher took part in the rally near Blair Park. She said her biggest concern is the cuts to the National Weather Service and what that could mean for people who rely on its forecasts.
“We are just beginning hurricane season. It makes me nervous about what could happen, probably not so much here in Champaign or Urbana, but we still need to be worried about the entire country,” she said.
In Hessel Park, Dana Seiden said she is worried about cuts to Medicaid under President Trump’s tax and spending bill. She joined the “Be the Light” demonstration to raise her voice.
Seiden said she hopes people who drove by the rally become inspired to speak up or attend future rallies.
“I am embarrassed to be in my country, so we have to resist. We have to fight the power,” she said. The people in power are not stronger than the people in the country.”