By Stacy M. Brown
A sprawling coalition of activists transformed July 4 into a day of protest and civic action, as demonstrators in all 50 states rallied against President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda.
Billed as “Free America Weekend,” the effort was the latest in a string of large-scale demonstrations, following June’s “No Kings Day” protests that drew crowds nationwide to reject what organizers described as Trump’s push toward authoritarian rule.
The nationwide protests were part of the 50501 Movement—named for the goal of holding 50 protests in 50 states on the same day. The movement emerged in late 2024 through grassroots organizing and quickly gained momentum across social media platforms such as Instagram and Reddit. Organizers say the Fourth of July was a fitting moment to highlight what they have seen as threats to American democracy, pointing to Trump’s executive orders targeting immigrants, efforts to dismantle federal agencies and the broader influence of Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint criticized for seeking to consolidate power in the executive branch.
“There is no real independence to celebrate under this administration,” the Women’s March declared in its call to action for July 4. “This is our chance to stand together and reclaim the meaning of freedom.”
More than 170 events were planned across the country, ranging from rallies at state capitals to block parties, dance protests, banner drops and community art projects. In New York, protests were scheduled both at the state Capitol in Albany and at New York City Hall. Other major gatherings took place at the California and Texas State Capitols and in cities including Philadelphia, Tampa and Tallahassee.
The Women’s March website encouraged participants to host neighborhood events and create spaces where people “who aren’t going to come to a protest can still dream about freedom with hot dogs and veggie burgers.”
Organizers said the combination of celebration and dissent reflects their conviction that resisting Trump’s policies and building community go hand in hand. In addition to “No Kings Day,” activists have staged numerous demonstrations over the past year condemning what they describe as systemic attacks on civil liberties and democratic norms. Free America Weekend was intended to unify those efforts into a single, coordinated show of resistance.
While organizers emphasized nonviolence, some local groups reported receiving threats and harassment online.
In Illinois, protest leaders said they secured permits to rally at the Capitol grounds to help ensure participants’ safety after threats from pro-Trump groups.
“This movement is about more than just one day,” organizers wrote online. “It’s about standing firm in our beliefs and seeing it through, no matter the challenges we may face.”
This article was originally published by Black Press USA.