LEWISBURG, W.Va. – All across the country Saturday, individuals against the recent changes in the government came together for the Hands Off! protests. Individuals spoke out in particular over the Trump administration’s stance on DEI and cuts to federal programs.
Lewisburg residents banded together to join in on these protests. Before the event, one of the protestors shared her goal for the gathering with WVVA.
“To have a whole lot of people come, and to feel together, that they feel like there’s a group of us. We need each other,” said Fawn Valentine, a protestor at today’s event.
The protest showed support for several groups, like farmers, the postal service, social security, and more.
One of the organizers of the event, George Little, told WVVA the event is in collaboration with the Greenbrier County Democratic Women’s Club. He also emphasized what the protest meant to him.
“Hope. You know, do something. You know, you sit there and you just have to do something,” said Little.
The protesters gathered for fellowship, to express their thoughts, listen to speakers, and perform a march. Their effort was part of a larger scale operation, as Little says that there are more than 1,300 Hands Off! protests happening today.
“We have to make our voice heard,” added Valentine.
Following his oath of office on January 20th, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders, among them rescinding DEI programs and initiatives. The administration touting quote “putting merit first.”
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