On September 6th, thousands of concerned Washingtonians crowded together at Malcolm X Park for the We Are All DC march, a protest of the recent federal takeover.
On August 11, President Trump declared a crime emergency in DC, taking control of the Metropolitan Police Department and deploying the armed National Guard amongst other federal law enforcement agencies around the city. This, as well as the overwhelming presence of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), led to protests.
There were posters free to the public laying on the ground, many in Spanish, featuring slogans such as “Todos Somos DC” and “Tenemos Derecho”, or “We are DC” and “We have rights”. Different chants echoed throughout the park as the march started and protesters began filing down 16th street.
“Free DC! Free DC! Free DC!” One of the main chants protesters shouted through the streets reflected both the heart of the protest and the organization that put it together. Free DC is an organization that has for decades been involved in the movement for DC self-determination. As well as fighting for DC statehood, they work to advance racial justice, defend undocumented citizens in DC, and support DC unions. They organized this march to advocate for DC residents being taken by ICE and the largely unwanted presence of armed National Guard soldiers in DC neighborhoods.
“Si se puede – Yes, we can”. A chant that has been around since 1972 was first used by Ceaser Chavez and Dolores Huertas to unite the United Farm Workers fighting for better wages. Then later, used by former President Barack Obama during his presidential run in 2008, to spark a fire in the hearts and minds of voters to get excited for the future. And now, on September 6th, the phrase was used by CASA, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of the working-class, especially in minority communities. CASA represented the Hispanic voices currently most impacted by the increased presence of the National Guard.
“Trump must go, now!” What started as a protest against the National Guard and for DC Home Rule quickly elevated into a rally against the Trump Administration. With people reusing signs from the No Kings protest in June, bearing posters about facism and pride, and carrying banners about Palestine, the march illustrated how many issues DC residents have with the current administration. The march was a unifying force for people to showcase their opinions to the current president, who was absent golfing while protesters marched around the white house.
“El pueblo unido jamás será vencido – The town united will never be defeated.” This protest was not just about representing one group of people in DC, it was about showing our strength in numbers. And that’s exactly what this quote represents, it shows that when we fight together, nothing can defeat us.
“No justice, no peace.” After walking down 16th street and past the White House, passing stands selling Trump hats, and churches ringing bells on the way, the crowd gathered at Freedom Plaza at the end of the 2 mile march. People crowded around the stage to listen to various speakers, from reverends to a Free DC founder to an arrested activist. The rally cleared when the sky opened up and rain poured down on protesters, a clear premonition for the days to come.