
Hundreds of people took to the intersection at SW Main Street and Depot Avenue in Gainesville to protest Trump’s administration as a part of a national movement. The protest was one of many held nationwide and internationally on International Workers’ Day.
50501Gainesville, Gainesville’s branch of a national movement against the Trump administration, partnered with local advocacy groups Gainesville Women for Democracy, Alachua County Labor Coalition, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation Gainesville. Hundreds of people showed up on the sidewalks at the roundabout, yielding signs criticizing and mocking the president while donning makeshift cardboard costumes they threw over their shirts.
Pamela Smith, a representative with Gainesville Women for Harris, said the movement has grown with each protest as people begin to realize the national movement has made its way to the city. On April 5, the movement in Gainesville garnered support from over 2,000 people who took to the streets, according to a press release by 50501Gainesville.
“We’re trying to encourage people [to not] get too discouraged, come and join us and show the world that we are more powerful than this oligarchy, the people are more powerful,” Smith said.
As the University of Florida celebrates the class of 2025, one student couldn’t pass up the chance to have his voice heard during the protest.
Nathan Arndt, who earned a doctorate in material science and engineering, graduated hours earlier before making his way to the protest. Arndt wore his orange and blue cap and gown that matched a sign he brought, making light of tragedies happening across the world.
“We need to make sure that we take every opportunity like this to go out and show that the populace does not like what is going on, and that we will be heard,” he said. “We need to keep showing that even though we’ve been under this boot for longer, that we are still standing strong.”
Alachua County Commissioner Anna Prizzia spoke during the protest in support of workers in the community.
“I showed up today in celebration of International Workers Day to show our country, our state and our community that workers matter,” she said. “We recognize all the people who are working so hard, immigrants and everyday people, and that they deserve fair wages. They deserve all the rights that we all enjoy in this country, and until everyone has that, we aren’t done fighting.”
Deborah McEdward, a 71-year-old protester, said it’s important that national protests are localized to the community, so everybody has a voice.
“We have to do it locally, because people can’t travel to major, big rallies,” she said. “We do have busy lives, but we have to make ourselves heard. We have to make our voices heard. We have to make ourselves visible, because if we don’t, then we are the silent majority.”
Edwards wants local politicians to take action against the administration, saying the state has gone the wrong way.
Socialists and commies are disgusting.
Can you tell us the meaning of socialism and communism?
So, anybody who feels strongly enough about where your guy is taking the country to demonstrate are socialists and commies and disgust you? Well, first and foremost, they are your neighbors. Some might even be your coworkers. Their opinions are just as important as are yours.
And this news site chose to place prominent an image with a Lady wearing a V shirt. disgusting.
170 million adults in this country didn’t vote MAGA in 2024. That’s a lot of socialists and commies!
You are wrong. People care, about each other and our country.
As long as they didn’t cause havoc or traffic problems, good for them. If I agree with them or not, it’s there right to voice their views.
(Hey Anderson) Next time your with them, ask them to define what a woman is. Since the group is: “Gainesville Women for Democracy, Gainesville Women for Harris” (I’ll bet you a lunch they can’t do it)
Your question as written makes no sense. Do you mean “Next time you’re with them . . . “
Nathan aren’t was not making light of he was bringing to light tragedies
“Nathan aren’t was not making light of he was bringin to light tragedies” Can’t make out the meaning of this one. Are there some words or punctuation missing?
This is just another glaring example of how far left my party has become.
Democrat party is dying but I can’t change my registration to independent because I will be locked out of helping to choose my preferred nominee. But thanks to the dnc I was denied that opportunity last year. Now that was an actual existential threat to our democracy.
The Democratic Party is not dying. Volunteer locally and you will find a robust group fighting together for a better, fairer future for all. You are needed. Google
Alachuademparty.com to get involved, find voter information and more.
Mobilize.us also provides information regarding the Alachua County Democratic Party activities. Talk with other Democrates. Try not to disparity. Be part of the solution.
Glad to see people are understanding the peril we are in. When is the next protest?
June 14!
It’s perilous to have a president who believes in the law and uncovering why our country is about to go bankrupt and help the hostages taken by the terrorists in Gaza and try to end the war in Ukraine and deporting dangerous illegal aliens who are a threat to our citizens and are allowed to vote in some states? It’s only a perilous situation for all the corrupt politicians who are being exposed by this administration for their thievery and betrayal of the American people.
Thank you for reporting on this Protest. I found your reporting to be balanced. The interviews presented some thoughtful words of encouragement. Easy and quick read-most appreciated.
It is sad that so many people are celebrating a day that was created and celebrated by the Communist Party.They either don’t understand this or if they do they are free to fly to their Valhalla, Cuba.
Good point. I noticed that one of the groups is the “Party for Socialism and Liberation Gainesville”. That says it all!
Real WORKERS ( not like 71 year olds) should be celebrating Trump since he is trying to bring back jobs to America, many of which were lost with Bill Clinton’s infamous NAFTA deal. Also by deporting people here illegally, it frees up jobs that those people took from real Americans at a lower wage. So wages should go UP if these people are deported. Notice how none of the people could mention ONE specific thing there were protesting. Typical of the Democrats.