by Rebecca Tombaugh
Reporting artist
People lined up thick along J.C. Nichols Parkway.
Eslun Tucker, of Kansas City, Mo., was right up against the curb holding up the signs she made.
“This is a safe place for protests….”
Tucker was one of around 1,300 people who gathered from all parts of the metro on Friday for the “President’s Day Protest” organized by the group “The People Vs. The President of the United States.” The group says its mission is to inform with real facts and demand investigation into ethical and constitutional violations by President Trump and his administration.
Tucker continued to talk about why she came.
“This is a greater threat to our democracy…President Trump’s words and actions…we’ve never had a president like him…the rise of tyranny….
One of her signs read “Protect Our Free Press.”
The word “Free” was in red.
“The press is a firewall to tyranny…this is an effort trying to undermine our press…I’m standing up for the free press. All of these others, like the judiciary, he attacked….”
Earlier, she called two Wyandotte County legislators to tell them she was going to protest. They are friends and she wanted them to know she believed this was important.
“Not just the Missouri side…the first protest in years…40 years ago…I feel wonderful…encouraged…we face extremes threats…and I have to do more….”
“Offensive…this man…because of his propensity to offend women…minorities…only language they understand… compromised…Putin….he’s colluding with Russia…campaign staff…unusual…in the history of our country…narcissism…reign for disaster…”
The crowd began to chant in unison.
“Support Our Free Press”
“Support Our Free Press”
“Support Our Free Press”
“We need to get up and be vocal…First Amendment Rights…pillars of our democracy…heaven help us….
“I’m very proud of the people who are coming out….important…leader…Mayor turning out….
“Only 1 car…young white guys…’Trump’s our president!’…’You birther!’…I wonder if he saw my sign…Right back at you!”
“Show Us Your Tax Returns”
“Show Us Your Tax Returns”
“Show Us Your Tax Returns”
Several speakers took turns at a podium in the grass.
“We Will Resist”
“We Will Persist”
“We Will Resist”
“We Will Persist”
“We Will Resist”
“We Will Persist”
“Step Down Now”
“Step Down Now”
“Step Down Now”
Iman Aly, of Kansas City, Mo., was one of four sisters and a friend who came with signs.
“I came out today to fight for our basic human rights…fight for democracy…Muslim…there’s nothing else we can do…second protest…19…mixed…welcoming…hugs…comments…hurtful looks…cuss…during the election…even more…
“I feel like people here have a great way to express those emotions….
“Shrug it off…willing to come…go back to my home country…Egypt…
“Not expecting…very reassuring…”
Fatima Betrow, 17, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., is a student.
“I came here to be heard…a person can make an impact…”
“Everyone Is Welcome”
“Everyone Is Welcome”
“Everyone Is Welcome”
“Significant…when I see people who come…come out…not like everyone else…people care…I hope this makes an impact….choose our battles wisely…shine the light on the truth not alternative facts…”
“Yes We Will”
“Yes We Will”
“Yes We Will”
A drone with red lights buzzed overhead.
“Love Trumps Hate”
“Love Trumps Hate”
“Love Trumps Hate”
A local TV satellite truck’s antenna stuck up high in the air.
“This Is What Democracy Looks Like”
“This Is What Democracy Looks Like”
“This Is What Democracy Looks Like”
“Can’t Build Walls, Hands Too Small”
“Can’t Build Walls, Hands Too Small”
“Can’t Build Walls, Hands Too Small”
Six Kansas City police sat on horseback in a line off to the side. A helicopter hovered above the park.
The protesters began to walk along the sidewalk, chanting, circling the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain. A white dog was on a leash. A woman pushed a stroller.
A small red car covered in Trump-Pence campaign stickers made a sharp right turn to catch up and drive by the crowd.
Rebecca Tombaugh is a reporting artist who lives in the Greater Kansas City area.
Photos, art and story copyright 2017 by Rebecca Tombaugh
Great story. You all make America proud. Thank you for the Images and art of resistance in KC!