Mass Protests in Black and White – Are We Showing Up?

by Gwen McKinney, Word in Black

From the podium at Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, Kadida Kenner, executive director of the New Pennsylvania Project, scanned the vast human landscape at the April 5 “Hands Off!” protest. Among the estimated 30,000 assembled, she made a stark observation: Black protesters were missing. 

National organizers claim approximately 1,400 rallies drew some 4 million, reportedly the largest mass protest in the nation’s history. In big cities, small towns, and overseas, protesters demonstrated their outrage against the Donald Trump/Elon Musk policies. 

From anecdotal and visual assessments, the constituency that represented the largest opposition to the Trump presidency did not show up — especially the ranks of Black women who gave 92% of their votes to Kamala Harris. 

Making a collective statement by their absence, social media memes depicted Black folks stepping to line dances and waving hand fans as an answer to multiracial protests, or what Kenner, a speaker at the Philly rally, describes as “taking a break and leaning into our joy.” 

Salandra Benton, executive director of the Florida Coalition on Black Civic Participation, stayed home. “We’ve been working first, second, and third shift. It’s time for someone else to pick up the slack. We’re weary, and a piece of our spirit was robbed from usin the last election. For Black women, this is a season of reflection and self-care.”

[…]

Benton and others interviewed on this subject underscored that Black organizing remains pivotal. But multiracial public demonstrations are a low priority compared to beating back the threats to 60 years of racial progress. 

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