RAPID CITY, SD — Amid the high heat and clear sun of the mid-June landscape, people from Rapid City and beyond gathered en masse and in solidarity with millions across the US and over 1,800 other demonstrations to peacefully protest what they see as unlawful and tyrannical use of power by sitting US President Donald J. Trump. The number of individuals in attendance has been estimated to be over 1,000, dwarfing initial predictions of a turnout around 400.
The protest, which started at city hall, stretched up and down Highway 44 from 6th to 7th St. and was attended by individuals of all ages and beliefs. Young children, adults and the elderly comingled, veterans concerned about VA cuts and anti-war protestors in kufiyas and carrying Palestinian flags stood shoulder-to-shoulder with one another, LGBTQ+ Activists waved pride flags alongside those calling out ICE’s mass deportation practices, and those calling for the respect of treaty land rights all stood together to voice their anger with the regime and its practices. The air was filled with the sounds of chants decrying the sitting President’s actions, speakers blasting patriotic songs, Tupac’s “Changes” and YG’s “FDT”. The protest as it shifted to Founder’s Park only grew, stretching across the length of the park on both sides of the street.
“We don’t protest because we hate our country,” said Rapid City 50501 Organizer Airicka “We protest because we love our communities and want better for them. June 14 is about hope, justice, and standing together. Whether someone marches, donates water, or shares a post online, every action matters. We’re showing the world that South Dakotans care and we will not be silent”.
50501 is a nationwide grassroots political movement formed to oppose the policies of President Trump’s second-term government, and were major organizers of this protest. “We want to remind this country— and especially those in power— that we don’t do kings here. Politically, this is a call to reject authoritarianism and demand a government that actually serves people, not billionaires. Culturally, it’s about rebuilding civic courage and a sense of shared responsibility”. Said Airicka, who went on to say “This movement is as much about hope as it is about resistance,” and said that this protest was “Just a flashpoint. We know change doesn’t come from one event. People in Rapid City and across South Dakota deserve more opportunities to gather, organize, and be heard and we intend to keep that momentum going in the months ahead”.
