Photo curtsy of the Seattle Times

Jules Blakely emboldens the crowd by leading the chant, “Say it loud! Say it clear!” atop the Capitol steps. The crowd booms, “Immigrants are welcome here!” in reply. Olympia makes the statement: we stand with our immigrant neighbors and friends.

Under a sea of waving flags and passionate chants, over 1,500 protesters gathered at the Washington State Capitol on Feb 5th, part of a massive, unified movement spanning all 50 states. 

Their message was unwavering: a rejection of the Trump administration’s dangerous agenda and a call for justice, equality and human rights. As the crowd surged in Olympia, it became clear—this was not just a protest, but a declaration that resistance to oppression is alive and strong across the nation.

In Olympia, protesters carried American flags, hand-made signs and messages calling for unity and justice. “Immigrants make America great” and “Reject Project 2025” were just a few of the slogans raising voices against what many see as a regressive agenda. Project 2025, a controversial framework outlined by Trump’s team, advocates for sweeping cuts to federal agencies, including the Department of Education, and rolls back protections for climate change policies, diversity initiatives and LGBTQ+ rights.

While the protesters’ motivations varied, their collective goal was clear: to demand respect for human rights, equality and the protection of marginalized communities. The crowd moved in solidarity, chanting slogans like “USA we are” and “trans rights are our rights.” For several hours, the steps of the legislative building became a stage for protestors to stand firm in their convictions.

Interviews with participants at the rally revealed personal and collective reasons for engaging in activism. Vegas-Alexandria Jones, a long-time activist, explained that she attends protests to honor her heritage and express her personal beliefs. “Human rights, period,” she declared, summarizing the heart of the anti-Project 2025 protest. “Everyone has their personal reasons to show up, but overall, we want peace and equality.”

For Jones, the emotional fulfillment of being part of a movement that aligns with her values is what makes protests worthwhile. “The best part is knowing that I’m working toward something my family would be proud of me for,” she said. However, she also acknowledged the frightening reality of potential police violence at protests. “Some cops are charged to start violence during protests,” Jones warned. “It’s a risk we take.”

Jay O., another protester in Olympia, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the powerful energy felt when marching alongside like-minded individuals. “The best part about protesting is being around the people,” he shared. “It’s knowing you’re with people who care about you, who see you as a human being.” However, he also noted the potential dangers of confronting law enforcement, referring to the “pigs” — a term used to describe police officers in some protest circles — who can become violent even when protests are peaceful.

Both Jones and O. expressed how important it is to raise their voices, not just for themselves, but for the greater good. “Marching is a way to show resistance, to disrupt and make our presence known,” O. said, emphasizing the power of collective action.

The protests are not just about opposing Trump’s agenda but about creating a larger platform for marginalized groups. Jones, when reflecting on the significance of activism, said, “Your voice matters. Even if you think you’re not heard, you are. Your opinion matters, facts matter, be loud.”

The Olympia demonstration, along with others across the country, stands as a testament to the resilience of communities fighting for their rights. As O. put it: “Never think less of yourself than you do right now. Even if you’re one person in a sea of people, your participation matters.”

As the crowd slowly dispersed late into the evening, the chants and determination of protesters lingered in the air. In the midst of a nation divided, it’s clear that the fight for justice and equality remains as strong as ever, with those on the frontlines making their voices heard, despite the overwhelming obstacles in their way.