NOWADAYS, it can seem like the state of the world is only going to get worse. Climate change continues to worsen, ICE raids continue to rip apart communities, and the current administration has no plans of slowing any of these. However, this is not something that the people of Utah are taking lying down.
On February 8, people from across the state gathered at the capitol to vent these frustrations. People like Alex who stood their ground for his immigrant family. People like Val, who got down to the capitol to fight for their rights as a gay, trans person. The people of Utah came together to protest the inhumane actions of the Trump administration.
The chilled, winter air was filled with a fighting spirit. In my experience, it was the most people I’d seen at a protest. The stairs leading to the main entrance were filled to the brim, and the landing was packed shoulder to shoulder. The streets leading to the capitol were parked bumper-to-bumper.
At the bottom of the hill, a handful of counter-protestors tried to turn people away but were quickly overshadowed. Hardly anyone paid them any mind and simply walked past them.
The people were gathered to hear from speakers voicing their same concerns. Indigenous rights, immigrant experiences, and queer justice all came to the forefront. Each person stood in solidarity with the other, no matter what they specifically showed up for.
As the hours ticked by, the crowd continued to grow. The crowd grew too dense for the main landing and began dispersing outwards towards the outer edges. Even from the bottom of the hill, the sheer number of people felt immense.
Eventually, the speakers wrapped up, and the march down to Washington Square began. I only saw the initial rush off the Capitol steps, as I had to leave shortly after. It was surreal, though. Seeing that huge crowd move together down the hill put into perspective just how much support there was.
Toward the end of the protest, I asked attendees what tips they had for others looking to get involved. Crista, a teenager from Cyprus, suggested joining dthe ebate team, as that’s what stirred her to action. Aud, a teen trying to support those in need, urges people to “Just do it, literally just do it. Nothing is stopping you; just do it.”
The vast level of camaraderie and love in the air that day gave me hope, and a reminder. A reminder that, no matter what happens, people can make a difference. Collective efforts like this protest only work when people show up. Right now, more than ever, I need to show up. There’s always something that can be done, and nothing is stopping me from getting involved.
At the end of the day, the biggest obstacle in the way of someone getting involved is their own head. The issues surrounding us feel completely insurmountable, but they aren’t. Once I’m able to recognize that I have power, no matter what, it’s so much easier to keep moving forward.
