On Feb. 5, hundreds of Kansans joined in on the national 50 capitals, 50 protests, one day (50501) protests at the steps of the Kansas Capitol. The protest in Kansas was organized by Darcy Snyder from the Women’s Rights/Marches Topeka Region.

People from all different walks of life joined together for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to: President Donald Trump’s order to dismantle Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs, Elon Musk’s involvement in government, LGBTQ+ rights, gun violence and abortion rights.

“We have to protect our democracy! We have to fight, not just for the people here, for all of us,” said Peter Abila, protest participant.

This mentality of protecting democracy was shared by many protesters, as seen on their posters and in the words they chanted.

“My sign says, ‘Silence is ignorance,’ which I think speaks for itself. I think if you are silent your silence speaks for your ignorance. You should be able to speak up whether it’s just posting something on Instagram or just be here standing or sitting and watching or even reposting people at the protests,” said Tyler Naquin, Washburn student and protest participant.

Following the first two laps around the Capitol building, speeches were given by representatives from the Women’s Rights/Marches Topeka Region organization.

The main point given during the speeches was to be kind, but to keep fighting. 

When Lucinda Evans, women’s rights advocate and former educator, called legislators she said that the first thing she asked them was how their mental health is. Evans stressed that if we call and do nothing but be angry, our words won’t be heard.

“We need to call and say to them, ‘I hope you’re doing okay today. I know you’re in the middle of this storm, but I’m from Kansas, and these are my values, and those should be your values as well.’ We have to first use kindness and then drive home our point so that they listen to our messages,” Evans said during her speech.

Many of the protesters voiced that young people are the future, including Naquin, who believed that Washburn law students are the future of the US government.

“[We need to have our voices heard now], especially Washburn students that go to law school. Those are our future senators and governors and people that will run this country,” Naquin said.

Others who were in attendance protested for people they care about. Isabelle Coria, Washburn student and protest participant, was protesting in support of her dad.

“I’m here to be here for my dad. He’s Hispanic. He’s an immigrant. He’s from Mexico originally, and I just think it’s unfair what’s happening to him and all the birthright amendment acts and things. That just pisses me off. So here I am, also I’m a biology major, and climate change is real,” Coria said.

Many Kansans traveled to the capital because of how firmly they believe in fighting for their rights and the rights of others. Two such Kansans were Keegan Maxfield and Abigail Nelson, students at Wichita State University. 

“I feel like it’s important for us to speak out, because so many people act like activists online, and yet make no action towards the cause,” Maxfield said.

The protesters’ main goal was to show that now more than ever, it is important to keep fighting for what you believe in.

“[They] have got to listen to us. This is not about Republicans and Democrats. It’s nothing to do with it. [It’s] about when you take food stamps away from babies and Meals on Wheels for our elderly. I am not mad. I am horrified,” said Brian Morley, Kansan business owner.

Edited by Morgan Albrecht