WHY PROTEST? I have been leading, co-hosting, or attending protests since March 14, 2025 (over two dozen). On a number of occasions, I have been asked, “Why do I protest?” and “Do I believe protests are actually helpful?”
In the next several posts, I will provide twenty-one reasons why I lead and participate in protests.
1. Makes a statement: They declare to the community that something is terribly wrong. Protests demonstrate that peace-loving citizens care; they care enough to take time from their lives to show up and express their deep concern to political leaders and their communities.
2. Provides an easy entry point: People who sense/know that there is something wrong can come and do not even need a sign. A person can just show up.
3. A safe place (usually): They are a relatively safe place for people to stand up, show up and speak up. We do provide peacekeepers to help keep it a safe place.
4. Let’s people do SOMETHING: They create a non-violent release valve for people troubled by the injustice, dehumanization of people, the disregard for due process and lack of checks and balances….
5. Creates Community: They provide a place to belong, come alongside like-minded neighbors, while reducing feelings of isolation. It creates a network of support. People realize they’re part of a larger movement and are not alone.
I will provide five more tomorrow. BTW: Over the past several months, and currently, we are seeing the power of peaceful, non-violent protests. Eyes are being opened, perspectives changed.