Approximately 100 protesters gathered on Thursday at Houston City Hall to voice their dissent against what they perceive to be ongoing attacks on civil and human rights under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The demonstration included a march from City Hall to Discovery Green and back, with activists chanting, “Show me what democracy looks like! This is what democracy looks like!” and, “Hey hey! Ho ho! Donald Trump has got to go!”
One of the event organizers, known as “Uncle Eagle,” emphasized that the protest was not solely about Trump’s policies, which include stringent immigration regulations and significant federal budget cuts.
“We’re here not just mad at the Trump organization, but we’re mad at the Whitmire here in Houston,” Uncle Eagle stated, referring to Houston Mayor John Whitmire, a Democrat elected in 2023 after a lengthy career as a Texas lawmaker.
“We’re mad at our city council. We’re just generally mad because the people’s voices aren’t being used or utilized or listened to,” he added, highlighting a broader discontent with local governance.
The rally in Houston was one of many across the region, contributing to a larger movement consisting of over 1,600 protests titled “Good Trouble Lives On.” This series of demonstrations was organized to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the passing of former U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement who famously advocated for getting into “good trouble, necessary trouble.”
Participants in Houston had previously engaged in two other significant nationwide protests against the Trump administration earlier this year.
In June, a massive crowd estimated at 15,000 gathered at City Hall for a “No Kings Day” protest. Earlier, over 1,000 individuals had participated in the nationwide “50501” demonstrations also at City Hall.
James Schriver, a 73-year-old protester and seasoned activist with 50 years of experience, shared his views during the rally. He has been active in protests against various wars, including those in Vietnam and Iraq.
“I think that the current administration is exceeding its lawful mandate and performing many illegal actions daily,” Schriver remarked, elaborating that he would need to bring a list from home because it is extensive.
Schriver carried a sign that read “No King Taco,” with TACO standing for “Trump always chickens out,” a critique of Trump’s approach to tariffs and market manipulation that he believes favors elite business interests.
Another protester, Stacy Whaley, distinguished the demonstrations happening at City Hall from the violent events that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
On that infamous day, Trump supporters attempted to disrupt the certification of the 2020 election results favoring Joe Biden, falsely believing the election had been stolen.
“Good trouble versus trouble are two different things,” Whaley asserted. “When we get in good trouble, it’s doing it the proper way. It’s doing it peacefully.”
Whaley created chalk art at the rally, which read, “Trust the process. God is in control,” reflecting her belief in higher guidance amidst political turmoil.
The pre-march segment of the event featured speeches from representatives of several grassroots organizations, such as the Texas Organizing Project, Food Not Bombs, Indivisible Fort Bend, Parents of Trans Youth, and the Houston Federation of Teachers.
Sarah Roberts, a co-founder of Indivisible Fort Bend, spoke out against mid-decade redistricting and gerrymandering, urging attendees to register to vote and make their voices heard.
Arnetta Murray, a representative for the Houston Federation of Teachers, voiced opposition to a newly passed school voucher program in Texas.
This program allows taxpayer funds to support private school tuition, raising concerns particularly among her Latino students regarding increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
The protests in Houston and nationwide were organized by a coalition of civil rights and activist groups, including the 50501 organization.
Atalie Walding, a volunteer with 50501, emphasized the importance of participation in protests. “A lot of people feel like protesting does nothing, but the first step of any kind of movement is showing up,” she stated.
Walding attributed her motivation to attend the protest to her experiences at a Black Lives Matter rally for George Floyd, a Houston native who was murdered in 2020.
She described that protest as “life-changing” and hoped that her participation in Thursday’s gathering would inspire discussions that could change perspectives or empower individuals.
“What I hope from today is at least one person has a conversation that changes their perspective or helps them feel empowered,” she concluded.
image source from：houstonpublicmedia
