A crowd of about 150 gathered at Main Street Garden on a cloudy Friday, holding American flags and signs in protest of the Trump administration.
The “We the People, Celebrate the Constitution” demonstration was cohosted by Indivisible Dallas and the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of 50501, the organization behind the nationwide “No Kings” protests on June 14 that drew a crowd of 10,000 in Dallas.
The event was a stationary demonstration, where speakers discussed grievances with the current presidential administration. Eventgoers also participated in a community art project and a scavenger hunt.
After the speakers concluded, organizers began preparing hot dogs for the crowd, while kids and families grabbed paint pens of every shade, scribbling on a poster that read “Democracy.” Organizers also distributed booklets with their calls to action, accompanied by punk music playing throughout the park.
Samantha Mitchell, a leader with Indivisible Dallas, said that the need for community is critical, especially following the passage of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” on Thursday.
The 887-page legislation includes tax breaks and cuts to programs such as Medicaid and SNAP benefits. The act also boosts funding for immigration enforcement and national defense.
North Texas Republicans have praised the bill for its benefits to their constituents. They said the $4.5 trillion bill will secure the border, reimburse the state for border security spending during the last administration, curb government spending and eliminate the tax on tips.
“I think the thing that helps people heal when they’re in mourning is to be in community. And today feels like a dirge,” Mitchell said. “This protest is not just for the general public, but it’s for everybody who showed up to the protest to feel more galvanized, to feel like they’re not alone, and to network and build community.”
Neha Ghael, 54, of Arlington, came to Friday’s event with her parents, Pravin, 82, and Usha, 80. The three said they have attended several protests this year.
Neha Ghael, who is a family medicine doctor, said the Trump administration’s policies — including the tax bill that is expected to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid — are slated to take health care away from those who need it the most.
They said they are enraged by the administration’s policies, especially on immigration enforcement, which has made Americans “fearful of just walking around.”
“We should try to help people who can’t help themselves,” Usha Ghael said.
Volunteers from Dallas County Volunteer Deputy Registrars were at the event to help attendees register to vote.
Kate Evans, 64, of East Dallas, said she underwent training to become a volunteer earlier this year.
“Everybody needs to have a voice and power,” Evans said. “And voting is an important part of that power.”
Josh Pathisseril, 22, of Dallas, was among a group of younger participants at Friday’s demonstration. He said he thinks people his age should not view politics as exclusively the domain of “old people in the hall of Congress.”
“We have to think that this is our future,” Pathisseril said. “We all have to stand up and fight for what we believe in, and fight for beliefs that we can better our future.”
