2 weeks Ago By Olivia Estright
ROCHESTER — Chants and honking cars echoed down Broadway Avenue as hundreds marched from Soldiers Field Park protesting actions taken by President Donald Trump’s administration. The rally, organized by Indivisible 507, was attended by an estimated 500 people on Saturday morning, April 19. ADVERTISEMENT The event was publicized on social media as a rally supporting veterans and constitutional rights, but according to Linda Bradley, a member of Indivisible 507, attendees could protest anything.
“There are so many things that are wrong with this government,” Bradley told the Post Bulletin. “It’s not a one-slogan rally.” The Rochester rally was one of over 600 events that took place across the country as part of the 50501 Movement’s “Day of Action.
” The movement, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states and one movement, gained traction in February when protesters gathered in all 50 states to push back against the Trump administration. The rallies continued through March, and on April 5, millions rallied at “Hands Off!” protests across the country — including hundreds gathering at Rochester’s Peace Plaza . To continue its momentum, the movement declared April 19 a “Day of Action.
” Over 600 events across the country were scheduled, including protests, food drives and road cleanups, according to the 50501 Movement’s events page . “When people stand up,” Bradley said, “it enhances other people’s courage to stand up.” Rochester resident and United States veteran Anthony Floyd attended the rally to protest the Trump administration’s decision to cut 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The VA provides benefits and medical help to U.S. veterans.
ADVERTISEMENT “The VA is in enough trouble,” Floyd said while walking to Broadway Avenue. “We don’t need more problems.” Before protesters began the march, Ani Bulbulian spoke to the crowd about the importance of immigration rights, scientific funding and climate change.
Bulbulian, 21, told the protesters they will continue speaking out to “protect civil rights.” “Together, we’ll keep fighting just like our veterans did for us,” she said before leading the crowd in chants. Between chants of “protect our democracy” and “not who we are,” Rochester native Sabrina Thompson said Saturday’s protest was personal for her.
Thompson said several of her loved ones were directly affected by cuts made to the VA and Social Security Administration. The Trump administration announced its plans to cut thousands of workers from the SSA in March. The SSA provides benefits to 73 million elderly and disabled Americans annually.
ADVERTISEMENT “I have a lot of older folks in my family that are affected by it and rightfully scared,” Thompson said. But, Thompson said, seeing the hundreds of people gathered on Broadway Avenue reminded her that she is not fighting alone. “Our voice is not being silenced,” she said.
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