Families Belong Together

On June 30, almost two thousand people gathered in Lafayette Park across from the White House to denounce President Trump’s “zero tolerance policy” for immigrants seeking to escape violence in Mexico and Central America. The policy led to children being taken away from their parents when families reached the border, with the latter going to jail while their kids were often sent thousands of miles away. The DC demonstration was just one of 700 demonstrations on June 30 all over the country protesting the policy and the separation.

Red vested marshals on 16^th St. greet those going to the rally. The sign is in front of the headquarters of the AFL-CIO. The steeple in the background is St. John’s Episcopal Church, aka the church of Presidents.

The AFL-CIO opened its doors an hour before the official rally, and closed them half an hour before to stage a rally outside its headquarters.

St. John’s Episcopal Church also opened its doors to demonstrators, and kept them open so those needing respite from the 95 degree heat could sit in the cool sanctuary. An associate pastor greeted those going to the rally. Outside, church members gave out water, granola bars, sandwiches, and sprayed sun screen on those who needed it.

Demonstrators responded to Melania Trump’s trench coat that declared “I really don’t care. Do U” by wearing t-shirts proclaiming the opposite. “We Care” became a theme for those who opposed her husband’s policies.

Posters and signs were passed out to all who wanted them.

Most people couldn’t see the stage or the speakers, which were often hidden by signs.

Some found a way to see.

Most objected to putting kids in cages.

Some didn’t.

Private vendors were out in force.

As people left the rally they were sent down Pennsylvania Ave. They passed the Trump hotel, chanting SHAME, SHAME, and walked past the Dept. of Justice. The demonstrators turned on 4^th St. to the Mall where they were directed to walk on the gravel path to the Capitol, and around it to the Supreme Court.