It was the shock heard around the country. After a long arduous election, Donald Trump was declared the 45th President of the United States. New Yorker’s wasted no time expressing their discontent and disbelief. The streets flooded with thousands of protesters chanting and carrying several colorful signs.
Protests started in Union Square and went uptown to the Trump Tower, along with a few smaller ones in Washington Square Park. I did what any journalist would do — I took photographs. I also picked out some favorites from social media. I hope this list empowers you (especially those of you who are new activism).
Presenting [drum roll]…
The Top 7 Anti-Trump Protest Signs!
7: The Most: Witty
Image: NYMag
One of the most agonizing things for first-time protesters is: “What do I write on my sign?” As my professor always says: “Don’t get it Right! Get it Written!” Jim Crocamo’s good-humored sign shows that imperfection is perfection.
6: The Most: Steven Universe!
Image: Hannah Corwin
This photo is the LGBT double entendre. Steven Universe is well known for its queer themes and its creator Rebecca Sugar is bisexual. This sign was made by my friend, Lorelle, a design major at the School of Visual Arts. While my Facebook wall was covered with posts of despair and hopelessness; she was one of the first who rallied people to stand up and fight with the clever hashtag: revolt2k16.
5: The Most: Sage
Image: Susan Alzner
The sign is held by singer-songwriter, activist, and independent entrepreneur, Ani Difranco. The quote by Angela Davis embodies the soul of the Anti-Trump protesters. It’s reaffirming that we as Americans mustn’t accept or tolerate hatred, racism, homophobia, sexism, and xenophobia. It’s our job to fight for what’s right!
4: The Double Down
Image: Courtney Sweet
This image has it all: a sign quoting Hillary Clinton’s reassuring words to the young ladies, a sign with the Anti-Trump hashtag “Not My President,” and of course, sign number 3 (below). The man climbing the traffic poll to post it only adds to the epic value of this image.
3: The Most: Artistic
Image: Sara Barton
A lot of hard work was put into creating these signs. (Yes, there were two Nazi Anti-Trump parody signs) One of the artists was kind enough to stop and be photographed. It’s gone viral throughout social media, as it was featured in many other photos.
2: The Most: Honest
Image: Sara Barton
This sign is a poignant reflection of the feelings of the LGBT community. It’s simply perfect!
1: The Most: Foreshadowing
Image: Sara Barton
I photographed this protester just after I voted. Her name is DJ Chela. She sat patiently in Union Square and let strangers take pictures of her. Yes, this sign speaks the truth. The presidential candidates have been unable to take action on The Dakota Access Pipeline or properly address the concerns of the Black Lives Matter movement. This photograph is not only powerful and moving, it’s symbolic of how most Americans feel right now: that our voices have been silenced.
As President Thomas Jefferson said, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”
This article is dedicated to Lorelle, Hannah, and Nicole.
published via GeeksOUT!
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