After Donald Trump won the title of President-Elect on Wednesday, Nov. 9th, protestors took to the streets in Omaha and other major cities. Omaha resident Mia Matlock wanted to show groups that feel threatened by a Trump presidency that there are those who will listen and support them.
“Just seeing my Facebook feed, you know, all the fear and the sadness, I thought it would be a good idea to bring everybody together to make sure that they feel loved and they feel valuable,” said Matlock.
Matlock expected only around 15 people would join her in a solidarity march from Memorial Park to 72nd & Dodge Saturday afternoon, but around three times that many came out.
“It’s just nice to be here and see that other people are trying to come together and try to get along and be each other’s friends and not enemies,” said Moppy Elman, a protestor who had marched in the 60’s against Vietnam. Elman is known as “Moppy” in the autism community. She was there with her daughter Wendy Hamilton.
“Very committed to advocating for those who have disabilities or girls and women and equality, and I felt this week could have been a setback,” said Hamilton.
Many of the marchers wore safety pins.
“When somebody sees the safety pin, it should reassure people that they are indeed in solidarity with anybody that feels marginalized or like they’re afraid, so we are safe people to talk to about your feelings,” explained Matlock.
Mia started the march by thanking veterans for fighting for their rights and implored marchers to remain peaceful and follow the law.
“Please stay out of the streets, stay on the sidewalks,” she encouraged the crowds.
The marchers expressed their support for groups that feel president-elect trump has roused hatred against them.
“What do we do when we’re under attack? Stand up, fight back!” they chanted as they marched out of Memorial Park.
As they came to a stop at 72nd & Dodge, passing cars honked their approval. A few yelled Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again,” at the demonstrators.
Kris Somer said that she has not been treated well by Trump supporters.
“Less than an hour after the election was called, both mine and my girlfriend’s car was vandalized by, we assume Trump supporters considering Trump was written on the vehicle,” said Somer.
Both Somer’s and her girlfriend’s car have marriage equality stickers on them. One was scratched off, the other blacked out with a marker.
Matlock and her fellow marchers hope their messages will encourage a more positive outlook.
“That’s not what America is founded for. We’re not a nation of hate,” said Somer.
Somer said she believes that Trump himself is the one who needs to quell the hatred she feels has been shown to women and minorities.
“He has to be the person everyone looks up to. If he shows kindness to everyone else, I’ll give him a chance, but he hasn’t shown kindness to anyone other than white men,” said Somer.
