A community-led event held in protest of Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th U.S. president focused on fighting against his policies regarding immigrants, women and LGBTQ people.
More than 300 people gathered at Drake Park in downtown Bend on Jan. 18 to speak out about their fears and frustrations. The Uniting Our Voices event was inspired by The National People’s March and Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
It was a brisk morning with sunny skies, people were bundled up in warm clothing. A myriad of people of all ages and demographics were there, engaging with the speakers. Apprehension and frustration was shown in the people’s expressions. Signs lay about, featuring slogans such as “My body, my choice,” and “This will comb over.”
The first speech acknowledged all of our lived realities and how we need to unite and listen to each other. At one point, the speaker, Chela Sloper, held up a sign reading, “If you’re not saying Black Lives Matter, you’re probably not thinking it.” She also discussed the template of America (white, straight, English-speaking, Protestant) and how we need to reconfigure our understanding of what an “American” is.
The second speech was delivered by a local teacher named Amy Sabbadini. Sabbadini talked of her family’s experiences in the 1930s being Jewish in Italy. She also spoke out about local Ku Klux Klan activity against Catholic immigrants during the 1930s. This may be surprising considering what most of our history has told, but Oregon has had its fair share of racism. That is part of the reason why Sabbadini asked that we protect people the same way her family was protected by her fellow Italians. Sabbadini encouraged people to help their community members, support local journalism and speak up about injustice.
“We fight authoritarianism by linking arms, by seeking peaceful solutions and by expanding opportunities. When we build longer tables instead of higher walls, when we refuse to demonize our neighbors, we defeat authoritarianism,” stated Sabbadini.
The speeches continued, describing the fears around immigration, bodily autonomy and the environment. Poems and songs were sung along with the speeches.
