Activists take to the streets to protest Donald Trump, honor MLK Jr.

By John Gray
Contributing Writer

(Veritenews.org) — More than 100 people gathered at A.L. Davis Park in Central City on Monday (Jan. 20) to protest the inauguration of Donald Trump and celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

The event began at about noon – when Trump took the oath of office for the second time – with a rally. At 2p.m., attendees began marching through Central City, ending near the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial sculpture near the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. People working at construction sites and nearby businesses took photos and videos of the protesters as they marched by, while people came out of their homes to express support for the marchers.

Miu Sims, press liaison for the “Unite and Fight Against the Racist Trump Agenda” rally, told Verite News that activist groups in New Orleans are trying to fortify marginalized communities to withstand attacks on marginalized communities. Trump has already signed executive orders targeting immigrants, underrepresented communities and transgender people.

“We’re here to build community, build a united front, to show that we’re here to protect those who Trump deems as threats to the United States,” Sims said. “Whether that be trans people, immigrants, black and brown people. We’re here to be a united front with them.”

Community groups such as Freedom Road Socialist Organization and New Orleans for Community Oversight of Police (NOCOP) were heavily represented at the protest. Holding signs criticizing Trump, Jeff Landry and institutions like the New Orleans Police Department and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, members of the groups also took the opportunity to get people involved in their work.

NOCOP presented attendees and bystanders with a petition calling for the formation of what they call a “Civilian Police Accountability Council” in New Orleans. Felix Allen, a member of the community outreach team of NOCOP, said the petition and council is something the community needs for more democratic control over policing in New Orleans.

“We want to have oversight over the budget,” Allen said. “I personally would rather see things like transportation, libraries and schools funded rather than seeing a police car on every corner.”

According to the petition, the council would be made up of elected community members and would have the power to investigate NOPD officers, practice budget oversight and more.

New Orleans area residents from intersecting communities came together to honor King’s legacy of unity in the face of oppression. People rallied against the possibility of more executive orders from Trump and the ripple effects they could have on the community, as Sims described New Orleans as a city with a “plethora” of people from these targeted groups. She affirmed the uniting call of the event to resist Trump’s agenda over the coming years.

“No matter what Trump throws at us, we do not have fear,” Sims said. “We will continue to fight, we will continue to struggle and we will continue to protect each other.”

This article originally published in the January 27, 2025 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.