By: Maddy Dean
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – On Wednesday, Jan. 29, people from all over Northwest Arkansas gathered on Dickson Street to express their frustration with the newly inaugurated Trump administration.
A group of about 30 protesters had assembled by 10:30 a.m. for the “Stand Against Fascism” rally. Protesters continued throughout the day, fluctuating in numbers until about 6:00 p.m.
The protest migrated to different locations on Dickson Street, beginning at the Walton Arts Center and ending near the courthouse. Activists also briefly marched down the street, signs in hand.
The demands ranged but mainly focused on asking for the end of mass deportation, as well as advocating for LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights. Participants held up signs that read “Indifference is violence” and “Jesus loves the people you hate.” One protester also held up a transgender flag. The group spent the day calling out their requests, cheering loudly any time someone would join them.
The protest was organized by Vye, a member of North West Arkansas For Change. Vye saw a divide in the Northwest Arkansas community and decided to take action.
“I can’t find anyone else near me, so I’m going to organize something,“ Vye said. “I created a Discord server and I put it on TikTok and I posted it.“
Vye said that they grew up witnessing inequality and fears the Trump administration could lead to further harm.
“I grew up in a community full of immigrants, Black people, and marginalized people all together, and I witnessed a lot of police violence growing up. I was honestly really sick of it,” Vye said.
A small group of University of Arkansas students also participated in the protest. Mae, a student, said protesting is an important step toward change.
“I’m out here today advocating for human rights and protesting against the current administration,” Mae said. “I feel like our country is on a dangerous slide toward fascism and inequality for some of the protected groups in America.”
Fellow student Ruby also joined in the protest in hopes of encouraging other college students to use their voices.
“College students are the future,” said Ruby. “They should care about what their future is going to look like.”
Officers arrived at the protest shortly after it began. Vye and their fellow demonstrators were told that as long as the protest remained peaceful, they were free to exercise their First Amendment rights of assembly and speech. They were also given the contact of the officer on duty in case any passersby caused disruptions.
NWAFC provided snacks and water to anyone participating. Extra signs were also made so that anyone who believed in their message could join.
Vye knew the protest was just the beginning, with plans extending far beyond demonstrations.
When referring to the future, Vye said, “We also do a lot of community work. We want to do food drives, as well as host dinners, toy drives, clothes drives, and list resources for people in need.”
Vye believed change could be accomplished by letting the voices of those affected be heard.
In this video, a snippet of the protest can be heard. This means people arriving, leaving, passersby inquiring, cars, conversations, and cameras.