At the intersection of North Decatur Road and Scott Boulevard, drivers honked their horns as they passed through the busy intersection on a Tuesday afternoon. It wasn’t due to traffic or an obstacle in the way, but in support of Free America Walkout protesters who stood on the sidewalks with signs condemning United States President Donald J. Trump and his “fascist regime.”
A man holding a bullhorn yelled for Trump to be “impeached, convicted, and removed.” He implored drivers not just to honk, but to get out of their cars and join them.
This protest was just one of many happening around the Atlanta area and nationwide at the same time. Organized by Women’s March as a series of walkouts, protestors were encouraged to walk out of work, school, and commerce. Women and men dressed in shades of red, white, and blue held signs calling for people to “Resist and push back” and “Save democracy and dump Trump.” For the protesters out there, the sounds of blaring horns were a sign that people were eager to walk away from fascism and toward a free America.
Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice
The walkouts happened amid increased ICE raids and violence, troop occupation in many cities, and attacks on communities such as the trans community.
Jennifer Blake, a retiree, said she decided to withhold her participation in commerce to attend the protest.
“Every chance I get, I need to protest what’s happening. Where Trump is taking this country is just atrocious, and I don’t believe in what he’s doing, so I have to make my voice heard somehow,” Blake said. “You can see the people who are honking. They’re with us, even though they’re not standing on this corner. That’s good to hear that we’re not alone.”
Rebecca Flueckiger implored people to start preparing for the upcoming elections and working together to enact change.
“I’m hoping people have the courage to speak up, to talk to each other, to stand up and say something.”