Philadelphia protesters used Monday’s holiday as another opportunity to speak out against the Trump administration.
Instead of celebrating President’s Day, a number of guest speakers and advocates joined protesters for a “Not My President's Day Rally and March” Monday afternoon in the Thomas Paine Plaza.
At noon, guest speakers addressed protesters regarding their growing concerns around the new policies under President Trump.
Speakers included Philadelphia Councilwoman Helen Gym, who advocated for the city’s position as a sanctuary city, and University of Pennsylvania Professor Nicholas Pevzner who addressed issues around climate change. Joseph Assali, a Temple University student whose family was denied entry to the country following the President’s travel ban, spoke about immigration concerns.
Other guests spoke about LGBTQ rights, healthcare, and racial justice.
Protesters began their march at the Thomas Paine Plaza and continued up to 6th & Market streets in the Independence Mall area. Protesters then returned to the plaza.
The march also arranged for local organizations to be in attendance so people could learn who to contact about important issues in Philadelphia.
