This letter is not for the naysayers, the online bullies or the people who drive by protests with their middle finger in the air. I don’t agree with them, but they have the right to their opinions. As we all do.
No, this letter is for the drivers who honk and wave and cheer as they pass. The ones who call out “thank you.” The ones who look confused at first and then light up with a smile. The ones who have tears of gratitude in their eyes. You are all welcome to join us next time.
I have been to multiple protests over the past year, and I find that lately we have been receiving even greater positive support from drivers. Perhaps it’s because our country is going down a darker path every day: a war, a growing loss of rights, people being violently snatched off the streets and higher prices on just about everything.
I also think people see that it’s OK to stand up and exercise our freedoms, even in a red county. Just as it’s OK to change your mind.
Some of the protests and sign waving events include music and people singing. Folks sharing stories and laughing over the random rude comment. Sure, it leans toward an older demographic. People who are retired have more time on their hands, and many have protested in the past and can’t believe we’re at this bleak point.
But especially at the bigger protests and rallies, there are kids, babies on their moms’ backs, teens and young adults. Hula hoops and bubbles, people dancing and passing out cupcakes.
People are coming together and sharing their love for their country and their neighbors and the belief in something better. Hope is contagious. Even on the darkest days, it’s important to find joy wherever possible.
For me, joy comes from creating community. Sometimes that’s working in a school garden with my neighbors, sometimes it’s singing with a circle of friends, sometimes it’s making a sign and showing up solo for a protest, knowing that I won’t be alone once I arrive.
The No Kings rally on March 28 will be full of hope. There will be music, speakers, facepainting and prizes for the best signs. We will hold American flags, chant and sing. We will lift each other up.
But sorry to break the news: we won’t be paid. Unless you count the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself, which is the best currency on offer these days.
Farley Walker
Curtis
