While Donald Trump gears up for an Ivanka-and-Jared-free day of aggressive tweeting tomorrow, the rest of us can start crafting our protest signs for the weekend's litany of rallies and anti-Trump events. Here's what's on tap this weekend:
Deport ICE! Emergency Rally for Immigrant Rights
In response to news Thursday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials had detained about 100 people across three Southern California counties, ICE responded that the raids were business as usual, i.e. "routine." Tonight, New Yorkers will gather at Federal Plaza to remind the feds that while President Obama didn't have the lightest hand when it came to deportations, there's something distinctly un-routine about President Donald Trump's immigration policy goals. This is, after all, the president whose deportation targets include each non-citizen with so much as a low-level arrest on her record.
The Working Families Party is organizing tonight's rally, which will also put a spotlight on ICE raids in Upstate New York this week. According to advocates, ICE is currently detaining at least four people at Albany County Jail, following home raids on Monday and Tuesday. (Lacking the same sanctuary guidelines as NYC, upstate jails and police departments can cooperate with ICE this way.) The Albany raids are "reminiscent of the status quo," said Columbia County Sanctuary Movement organizer Bryan MacCormack. Still, because Trump is "more openly hostile to our undocumented and immigrant communities," he said solidarity today is key. [Update 5 p.m.: There are now reports of raids in at least six states this week. ICE maintains that this is "routine," but advocates have countered that the raids are of "unusual intensity."](Emma Whitford)
Friday, February 10th, 6 p.m. // Federal Plaza, Manhattan
Stand For Planned Parenthood
This Saturday, multiple anti-Planned Parenthood rallies have been scheduled across the country. New Yorkers, naturally, are taking a stand, with Planned Parenthood-approved organizers planning to gather in Washington Square Park for a counter-rally to show support for the embattled non-profit. Bring your pussy hat.
Saturday, February 11th, 11 a.m. // Washington Square Park, Manhattan
Counter-Protest to Defend Abortion Rights
A second Planned Parenthood counter-protest will take place outside the Planned Parenthood - Margaret Sanger Center at 26 Bleecker Street, where the Protest PP group plans to hold their NYC rally. Note that this rally has not been approved by Planned Parenthood, which would prefer protestors steer clear of the clinic to prevent crowding.
Saturday, February 11th, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. // 26 Bleecker Street, Manhattan
The People or Trump: A Teach In
This panel discussion will explore the polarization between what one side needs and what the other side wants. The event will feature a discussion between Distinguished Professor of History from Baruch College and the director of the Arms and Security Project from the Center for Immigration Policy, followed by lunch and a talk with activist Laurie Cagan. Come and build a movement in Brooklyn and protect the community.
Saturday, February 11th, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. // St. Joseph’s College New York, 245 Clinton Avenue, Brooklyn // FREE
Freedom Socialist Party Open Meeting
Some revolutions started in ale houses, but this one begins with brunch. A general strike is planned for February 17, president’s day weekend. While all the mass mobilizations and gatherings have been a great start, come to this event to examine historical examples of how general strikes and organized labor have ignited social change.
Saturday, February 11th, 1 - 3 p.m. // Freedom Hall, 113 West 128th Street // $10 donation // Brunch will be served at 12p.m.
Anti-Trump Day of Action: Organize
Consider this just one of many days of action against Trump , but The Village Independent Democrats have dedicated this Saturday in particular to have people sign and write postcards to their elected officials, educate and gather for campaigning in 2017.
Saturday, February 11th, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. // Washington Square Park (by the Arch) // FREE
Here to Stay - No Nos Vamos
Join the fight against deportation, mass imprisonment, and broken windows policing at No Nos Vamos's Saturday rally in Washington Square Park. With Trump's criminalization of immigrants and the NYPD's targeting of marginalized groups threatening thousands across the city, the rally will assert the right to freedom and opportunity for all New Yorkers. #NoBanNoWall
Saturday, February 11th, 2-5 p.m. // Washington Square Park
Verso Books Presents the 3rd Annual Red Party
Throw on some red clothes and come out to Verso Books to celebrate Red Day, an annual event designed to raise awareness about Women's heart disease. The Brooklyn bookstore is offering beer, (red?) wine and communist books to all attendees. A whopping 50% off for anyone wearing the color of the day.
Saturday, February 11th, 8:30 p.m. - late // Verso Books, 20 Jay Street, Suite 1010 // FREE
LGBTQ+ Make Out at Trump Tower
Test Trump’s friendliness towards the LGBTQ+ community by gathering in front of Trump Tower for a very large make out session. Partners are not required and allies of the community are welcome as well. Kiss and tell him to stand up for fair treatment of all underprivileged groups.
Sunday, February 12th, 1 - 4 p.m. // Trump Tower, 725 5th Avenue // FREE
Solidarity Sunday: Crown Heights Responds to the Orange Guy
Make some noise over America's swampy mess and stand up for justice, equity and peace by getting down with Solidarity Sundays, who bill themselves as an "inclusive, action-oriented, virtual + real life activist group." Their house parties feature a space where attendees can organize, educate and get empowered about issues ranging from hyper-local to national. Please bring your laptop, cell phone and chargers and get going!
Sunday, February 12th, 2 - 5 p.m. // 780 Prospect Pl, Brooklyn // FREE
Rally Against Hate
Rally Against Hate is a group that teaches how the Torah and Koran can combat hate and bigotry in the world. The organization protests hate crimes against Jews and Muslims. Imam Shamsi Ali and Rabbi Shlomo Nisano will be discussing this topic and more while Rabbi Lauren Herrmann will be moderating. Register online.
Sunday, February 12th, 2 - 4 p.m. // SAJ 15 West 86th Street // FREE
Jewish Community Action for Refugees
The Hebrew Immigrant and Aid Society, a refugee agency of the Jewish Community is rallying at Battery Park in a show of solidarity for refugees and immigrants. Come stand across from the Statue of Liberty to demonstrate that recent actions are a betrayal of American and Jewish values. Sister events will be occurring around the country as well.
Sunday, February 12th, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. // Battery Park // FREE
United Through Action February Meeting
Resisting Trump's present policies and planning ahead for the all-important 2018 midterms will happen at the United Through action February meeting at the NYC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. Speakers will include the co-founders of Flippable, an app that gathers data on the legislative seats with the greatest chance of changing hands back to Democratic control. Breakout meetings will follow, with focuses on planning, outreach, and direct actions.
Sunday, February 5th, 5-8 p.m. // The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, 208 West 13th Street, Manhattan // RSVP here
Solidarity Sundays - Williamsburg
With chapters running in Brooklyn and Manhattan and hopes of expanding into all five boroughs soon, Solidarity Sundays is a group that plans house party-style gatherings for anyone and everyone who gives a damn about gender equality. This coming weekend there'll be meetups in Greenpoint and Crown Heights, and you can email for more info on Upper West Side and Harlem parties as well. The gatherings will focus on how to empower fellow feminists and progressives, from phoning lawmakers to writing letters, as well as the all-important act of simply sharing ideas!
Sunday, February 12th, 4-8 p.m. // Williamsburg location and additional links here
