How New Yorkers Are Protesting

Historically, protests have been wielded as a powerful tool of the people, playing an important part in the United States’ past. They drive political participation while unifying different groups under one cause, offering attention and voice to many.

Within New York, this is especially so. New York City’s size and economy gives it media importance, meaning events like protests can have outward ripple effects throughout the nation.

In light of this, here are some recent and notable political protests held in the city:

1. One of the largest single-day demonstrations in US history, June 14th’s No Kings protests were held across the nation and beyond, including in New York City. These protests were to show opposition to Donald Trump’s actions during his second presidency, as well as his self-proclamation that he is a “king”, earning the protests their namesake. An estimated five million people were in attendance in over 2,000 towns; within New York City, dozens of demonstrations were held despite the rain.

2. Last week’s protest in Lower Manhattan was to protest the Trump administration’s opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which led to the elimination of many policies aimed at supporting DEI. The “March on Wall Street” also protested the administration’s effort to gain control in Democratic-led cities through the use of police, such as in Los Angeles and Washington DC.

3. And finally, the Labor Day “Workers Over Billionaires” protests were also held in New York and other major cities across the country. Demonstrations were to demand policies that better support the working class in the face of what organizers viewed as a “billionaire takeover” of politics and the government, as well as Donald Trump’s policies. The Department of Homeland Security and White House responded by dismissing the claims in support of Trump.