New York and New Jersey Residents Unite in D.C. for the Fight to Save Democracy
Fueled and united by purpose, activists from both sides of the Hudson flooded the nation’s capital to protest the Trump-Musk administration.
The people of New York and New Jersey didn’t spend Presidents’ Day shopping for sales or lounging at home. Instead, they boarded buses before dawn, carried signs in their hands, rage in their hearts, and headed straight for the nation’s capital.
Separated by the Hudson River, residents from both states came together with clear visions of their future.
Their mission on Monday?
To send a deafening message to President Donald Trump, his billionaire adviser Elon Musk, and all their sycophants: We Will Not Be Blamed or Erased.
At the forefront of these demonstrations were powerhouse activist groups including Rally Forward, a New York-based civic engagement organization, the People’s Organization for Progress (POP), a Newark-based grassroots political movement, and the Newark branch of the NAACP. Their unified front underscored a growing regional resistance to an administration they see as not just corrupt but active in dismantling democracy.
“We are not here for just one day of protest. We came here today to build a movement,” said chairman of POP, Lawrence Hamm, as a crowd roared in agreement at the U.S. Capitol. “We are here to save democracy.”
No Kings on Presidents' Day
The protest was part of the nationwide “No Kings on Presidents' Day” movement, which erupted in over 50 cities across the country. But in D.C., the combined force of New York and New Jersey activists made their presence impossible to ignore.
Unlike previous protests divided by a unique cause such as labor, racial justice, or climate change, this one brought together a diverse coalition of activists, all focused on stopping what they see as an authoritarian takeover.
The administration’s recent moves including mass deportation efforts, elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, proposal of deep cuts to federal agencies, and positioning of Elon Musk as an unelected power broker, have enraged residents of both states.
“No one voted for Elon Musk,” said Nowshadur, student at City College of New York, in reference to Musk’s continued benefits from government contracts while attempting to cut federal aid programs like FEMA and USAID. “I do not remember seeing his name on the ballot sheet. Do you?”
Sanctuaries of Strength
The organizers visited several local churches that had opened their doors on short-notice to provide space for reflection, strategy, and community building, before heading to the main protest at the Capitol.
Hundreds of activists arrived at Maple Springs Baptist Church in Capitol Heights, Maryland, which has a rich history of community engagement and spiritual leadership. Under the guidance of Reverend Jerome (Sam) Tarver, the church has emphasized the importance of fellowship and unity, aligning with the protesters' mission to reject divisive rhetoric and attacks from the administration and corporate media.
“Pay attention, stay engaged, and stay connected," offered Rev. Tarver as three guiding principles to activist, urging them to remain vigilant in the face of political corruption, to actively challenge policies that threaten democracy, and to build lasting alliances in response to divide-and-conquer tactics.
“This is our country. We need to fight for it,” said Concerto, student at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, emphasizing collective responsibility of the nation’s future and those who will inhabit it. “It doesn’t matter if we’re not going to be here 50, 60, 70 years from now.”
Immediately following, organizers gathered at the Metropolitan AME Church, renowned as the "National Cathedral of African Methodism." Throughout its history, the church has been a beacon for civil rights activism and spiritual fortitude.
“What we’re seeing for 30 days is a foretaste of four years,” said Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner during the gathering and press conference at Metropolitan AME Church. “This is already telling us that if we don’t stop it at 30 days, we won’t have a country. We won’t have a democracy.”
In February 2025, the church won a $2.8 million judgment against a far-right group that attacked them in 2020. This ruling prohibits the group from using the church's name or symbols without consent and allows the church to seize profits from any such use.
A Battle Far from Over
Though Monday’s protest was peaceful, organizers made one thing clear: this was only the beginning. Rally Forward and POP vowed to continue their efforts as the administration escalates its anti-democratic agenda, promising direct action, voter mobilization, and further demonstrations.
“It’s crucial for us to not just to be reactive to what is happening to us, but to be proactive about it,” said Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, President and Director of Rally Forward. "We must each have a vision for our future beyond this administration. We must look forward.”
As the sun set over Washington, the last chants of “This is what democracy looks like!” echoed through the streets and indeed the nation. New York and New Jersey residents, united in their defiance, boarded their buses home, already planning their next move.