By Jess Carey

Thousands of people took to the streets of Eureka to participate in a nationwide demonstration of dissent for the policies of the Trump administration last Saturday, March 5. More than 1,300 “Hands Off!” rallies occurred in all 50 states over the weekend, with a nationwide turnout estimated in the millions. 

The Humboldt crowd spread more than four blocks on the Redwood Highway near the Humboldt County Superior Court, sporting handmade signs, noisemakers, flags and even costumes. A person with a megaphone led the crowd in chants such as “No Trump! No KKK! No racist, fascist USA!” and “Love, not hate, makes America great!” 

Hundreds of voices echoed throughout town, mingled with enthusiastic honks of support from passing motorists. Some banged pots and pans together, some blew horns and some cheered. A brass band hosted a jam session and dance party around the flagpole. Bikers piloted a kinetic sculpture in laps around the procession. 

It was a colorful cacophony of resistance — a Humboldt twist on a national movement. The scene was vibrant and determined, in line with the county’s long history of passionate political and social activism.

Jess Carey is a senior at Cal Poly Humboldt, majoring in biology and double minoring in botany and journalism, and the science editor for The Lumberjack. They are passionate about telling stories that are relevant to the community, branching their interests in science, music, and the arts.