Marcher line up to take to the streets of Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS — The streets of downtown Grand Rapids echoed with chants of “¡Sí se puede!” and “Aquí estamos” on the afternoon of Saturday, February 1, as hundreds of demonstrators gathered for the Stand Up & Fight Back rally. Organized by the Grand Rapids Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (GRAARPR), the rally aimed to highlight issues impacting marginalized communities under the current administration, particularly immigrant rights and Palestinian lives.
The demonstration began at Fountain Street Church, where local organizers and community leaders addressed the crowd before leading a march through downtown. Protesters held signs high and voiced their concerns over policies they believe disproportionately affect immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other vulnerable groups.
Among the marchers was Marianna Silva, who attended the rally in honor of her immigrant parents. “My parents are immigrants, but it’s okay. They’re out here making the world better for me,” Silva said. “It actually makes my heart bigger. It makes my heart melt. There are so many people out here who have immigrant parents, and they’re standing in solidarity. That’s how it should always be.”
Yasmin Montoya echoed that sentiment, saying she was marching to be a voice for her parents. “I want to be their voice, since they really can’t use theirs as much as they’d like to. I’m here to advocate for them and for our community,” Montoya said. “It’s a blessing to see so many people coming together to support one another.”
For Sherlyn A., the event was an emotional experience shared across borders. “My parents came to this country legally, and they work hard every day,” she said. “I was just on FaceTime with my dad, showing him all the people who came out to support. He looked like he wanted to cry.”
The rally brought together over a dozen organizations, including Planned Parenthood, Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids, and GR Rapid Response to ICE. Organizers emphasized the importance of unity among different movements fighting for justice.
“We have to stand in solidarity with all these different movements,” said Julian Cortez of GRAARPR. “We’ve already seen a lot of executive orders, and we see the direction this administration wants to take the country. We are standing here to say we are not going to take it.”
Cortez highlighted that the fight is far from over. “We are here standing in solidarity with the Two-Spirit LGBTQ+ community, with Palestinians, with Black lives, and with workers’ rights. This is only the beginning.”
Saturday’s rally marked the first large-scale protest in Grand Rapids since the new administration took office, but organizers made it clear it would not be the last.
“We cannot let fear make us apathetic,” one organizer told the crowd. “Let’s make 2025 the people’s year.”
As the marchers returned to Fountain Street Church, the energy remained high, with many attendees discussing ways to stay involved and continue the fight for human rights. With the momentum gained from this event, activists in Grand Rapids are making it clear: they are ready to stand up, fight back, and keep pushing for change.
Media Works of John Rothwell 