By Jon Chown
Thousands of people marched through downtown Santa Cruz on Jan. 19, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, but it wasn’t just to celebrate the legacy of the civil rights leader, it was also to protest against the current administration.
A dense crowd of marchers fills the intersection of Pacific Avene and Walnut Street during the Martin Luther King Jr. march in Santa Cruz on Jan. 19.
A swell of people carrying banners, waving signs, and even some pushing elaborate statues made of paper mache, gathered at the Black Lives Matter mural near Santa Cruz City Hall at 10 a.m., lined up and then marched — or danced — through downtown. The event, themed “Stepping Into the Future Together” was organized by the NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch.
“I think this is really a blessing to see this number of people here,” said Don Williams, a 38-year resident of Santa Cruz who attended the march with his two grown daughters. “There›s a lot of craziness going on in the world today. Today is a day of service. A day to uplift somebody. Take time to put your ear to the ground and hear what is going on.”
There seemed to be a lot going on, with a wide array of messages and policies regarding social justice being promoted. Miriam Stombler was marching with a group of friends and carrying a cardboard polar bear sign. Others in her group carried other endangered species and a banner reading Help! Mother Earth.
People of all ages participate in a Martin Luther King, Jr. march on Jan. 19.
“I’m glad to see so many people all here together for the community,” said Stombler.
Many others showed up to protest against the administration. Tim Tonsing, a Santa Cruz resident, stood on the sidewalk, watching the parade, and shouting about his displeasure with President Donald Trump.
“Silence is consent. People need to speak up now,” Tonsing said. “I’ll probably be arrested next year for doing this same thing.”
The march ended on Church Street in front of the Civic Auditorium, where there was live music and children’s activities.