Community Protests Executive Order @ the State House
Yesterday, Brown students gathered with other members of the Providence community at the Rhode Island State House to protest President Trump’s recent executive order. This controversial order aims to ban the entrance of refugees to the United States for the next 120 days and Syrian refugees for an unspecified amount of time. Moreover, Trump's executive order will block the entrance of citizens (including US green card holders) from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
Hundreds of protesters gathered at the State House at 1:00 p.m. to demonstrate. There were several speakers, including politicians (such as state representative Aaron Regunberg, Mayor Jorge Elorza, and Governor Gina Raimondo), student activists, and other community and spiritual leaders. Congressman David Cicilline declared, "To those who say this is not a Muslim ban: Bullshit!"
Several speakers invoked Rhode Island’s history of religious tolerance in light of what many are calling President Trump’s “Muslim ban.” Speakers and protesters chanted “No ban, no wall” in opposition to anti-immigration sentiments in the Trump administration. Many also encouraged the passage of the Community Safety Act and questioned RI Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s vote to approve Mike Pompeo as CIA director, reminding protesters of action that can be taken beyond protest.
From the State House, protesters marched with Providence’s Extraordinary Rendition Band across the Smith Street Bridge, up North Main Street, and into the East Side. The march ended at the Nathan Bishop School, where Senator Whitehouse hosted a community dinner. Along the way, protesters sang “We Shall Overcome.” Residents of the East Side came out of their houses to cheer along marchers.
As the demonstration neared its end, one speaker implored demonstrators to get involved at the local level. He urged citizens to call the RI Speaker of the House at 401-222-2466, the Senate President at 401-222-6655, and Providence's Mayor Jorge Elorza at 401-421-2489.
Images via Alli Gordon '19, and Meghan Friedmann '17