Citizens across the country continue to galvanize in response to the actions and rhetoric of the Trump administration. From letter-writing and phone calls to protests and petitions, people are banding together to strengthen their voices.
In fact, a plethora of new … let’s call them resistance groups have sprung up in towns and cities across the country. One local group — Action St. George, a political action network of southwest Utahns — has organized a candlelight vigil for Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at Vernon Worthen Park. A press release sent out by the group states:
“In response to the current administration’s recent acts of aggression against the Latina/o/x, Muslim, refugee, and immigrant communities, Action St. George – a political action network of South West Utahns, united in opposition to the Trump Agenda, with a membership of more than 200 – has organized a candlelight Vigil in Solidarity with the immigrants, refugees, and foreign students of South West Utah and beyond. We will gather at 7 p.m. at Vernon Worthen Park, to hear the personal stories of those most affected by the building assault on immigrant rights, then march together to St. George Boulevard and back down Main Street in silent, peaceful protest.”
Spanish Language Text:
“En respuesta a los actos agresivos de la actual administración republicana contra refugiados, inmigrantes, latinos y musulmanes, nosotros de “Action St. George” los invitamos a unirse a la Vigilia de Solidaridad este Viernes 17 de Febrero a las 7 pm en el parque Vernon Worthen. Esta será una vigilia a la luz de candelas con una pequeña marcha demostrando así nuestra solidaridad.”
While the average person might not think of southern Utah as very diverse, that makes standing up with those in our marginalized communities that much more important. Events like this vigil are important ways for Latino, Muslim, refugee, and immigrant members of our communities to have their voices and stories heard and for others to show their support for them.
This isn’t the first such event in southern Utah, and it won’t be the last. While some argue the effectiveness of such efforts, others organize, support, and act. Our country is shaped by protest and resistance. The importance of these forms of civil and political interaction is shown by the protections written into the Constitution to defend them.
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