More than 300 demonstrators came together on Feb. 8 at Mill Creek Park and marched through the Plaza, to protest against President Trump’s recent policies.
Protestors of all ages lined up on the sidewalks next to the park, located a mile away from the UMKC Volker Campus. They held up hand-made signs stressing the importance of rights for marginalized communities, including immigrants and LGBTQ+.
The protest was organized by 18-year-old Farrah Hubbard and her friends, all of which are high school seniors. She felt that there weren’t enough protests in the area, citing her generation’s lack of involvement.
“Younger people were not influencing the protests as much,” said Hubbard. “I felt the need to take that step.”
In the first ten days after taking office, Trump has signed 63 executive orders. NBC has found that most recent presidents didn’t reach that number within the first 100 days.
The demonstrators also marched within the Country Club Plaza, shouting chants such as ‘Who’s President? Not my president’.
While Hubbard thought a majority of the protest went smoothly, she expressed concerns that the security presence was not enough. Despite most passing cars honking in solidarity, some wanted to harm the crowd.
“Multiple cars tried to hit us while we marched, both in the front and back of the line,” said Hubbard. “One didn’t have a license plate and drove over the sidewalk, so it was definitely on purpose.”
Hubbard and her friends stressed the importance of safety, arguing against having a second march. Some demonstrators did not comply.
“People typically follow the crowd. If a big group of people are trying to do something, it’s hard to get everyone to simmer down,” said Hubbard.
The protest received large donations of snacks and water, which Hubbard said were later donated to a homeless shelter. She said that while they plan on keeping some future donations for monthly events, most will still be donated.
When asked what they would say if President Trump were at the protest, demonstrators did not mince words.
“You’re taking away from me and the people I love. People are fearing for their lives because of you,” said an anonymous demonstrator. “You have no control over who I am and will be for the rest of my life.”
The next protest will take place on March 8 at Mill Creek Park from 4 to 6 p.m. Students interested can view the event on Facebook.
bo4td@umsystem.edu
Dorothy Robinson • Mar 19, 2025 at 9:45 pm
Please let me know when next event will happen. It’s is so hard for elderly and senior citizens to find out about these events ! Definitely interested!!
Dixie Hicks • Feb 26, 2025 at 8:07 am
Thank you for doing this. We’re in our 80’d, and nd my husband can no longer do this. You are our representatives. I’m calling DC offices to share my concerns with our representatives there.