Franklin Powell Sr. Park in Cruz Bay Saturday was the scene of dissent expressed in community at a No Kings Day rally. It was the second such named event held across the United States and territories since June of this year.
National news organizations reported close to 2,500 organized marches, protests, and rallies held in towns and cities nationwide against the actions and policies of President Donald Trump and his administration.
About 70 St. John residents and visitors gathered in the park to signal their discontent; some waved flags and protest signs. Others lined up to create messages on sheets of posterboard.
A more serious tone came from the park bandstand as rally organizers called on the crowd to continue speaking out against injustice. “Being in community here today is an act of resistance,” said Erin Leib from the St. John Social Action Committee.
She was followed by Trista Sigler, who delivered prepared remarks. “We are a country in crisis; we are a country divided. It is in times like these that the weakest and most vulnerable among us may be oppressed into nothingness,” Sigler said, “Together, we have the power to shape a future where every person’s life is protected; every life matters equally and every community thrives.”
But there was at least one voice at the Saturday scene expressing support for the president and his policies. Sonia Santos, a visitor from Puerto Rico, stepped off a safari taxi and walked in to ask what was going on.
“The man is crazy,” she said, adding some colorful language, “but that’s what is needed now. Change is hard,” Santos said.
Saturday’s rally also added some lighter notes. Kristen Carmichael-Bowers led the group into a chorus of “This Land is Your Land,” by Woody Guthrie. The Dynamic Dancers showed off their rehearsed dance routine, and the crowd was coaxed into forming a line dance to celebrate freedom of expression.
