A coalition of civil rights leaders, grassroots activists, and Democrats is organizing a counter-event to former President Donald Trump’s upcoming speech. The group is urging people to skip Trump’s address to Congress and instead tune in to a 24-hour livestream. This alternative event, called “State of the People,” aims to highlight what activists see as the harmful effects of Trump’s policies.
A Platform for Alternative Voices
The livestream will run from midnight Monday to midnight Tuesday, overlapping with Trump’s address. The goal is to provide a space for marginalized voices. The event will focus on key issues like voting rights, Project 2025, and the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Organizers want to give a platform to communities most impacted by these policies.
Prominent speakers will include members of the Congressional Black Caucus, faith leaders, union organizers, and voting rights activists. Political commentator Joy Reid will moderate the event’s opening panel. The final hours of the livestream will feature a town hall with Black women activists and Democratic leaders. These discussions aim to bring attention to the negative effects of Trump’s policies and offer alternative solutions.
Addressing Trump’s Policies
The event’s organizers are particularly concerned about how Trump’s policies hurt marginalized communities, especially Black Americans. Activists say his administration has enacted policies that disproportionately harm these groups. For example, federal job cuts and efforts to dismantle diversity programs are among the main concerns.
Trump has also made moves to reduce diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Critics argue that these programs have been essential in helping people of color gain access to education, jobs, and other opportunities. With the rollback of these initiatives, activists fear that people of color will continue to face barriers to success.
Angela Rye, a political strategist and key organizer of the event, stresses the need for unity. She said, “We need to come together for a common cause—our survival.” Rye believes the livestream will serve as a call to action, encouraging viewers to take part in local initiatives and spread trustworthy information.
Offering a Counter-Narrative
Organizers believe Trump’s speech will be full of rhetoric but lacking in facts. They argue that Trump’s address will focus on division rather than addressing the real issues facing the nation. In response, the livestream seeks to provide an alternative narrative that focuses on truth and context.
Rev. Leah Daughtry, another key organizer, said, “We hope to provide an option for truth and context.” She emphasized that the livestream would focus on marginalized communities and their experiences under Trump’s policies. The event aims to challenge the false narratives that often come from political leaders like Trump.
Over 15,000 people had registered for the livestream by Monday afternoon. Organizers expect tens of thousands more to join as the event approaches. They hope the livestream will serve as a powerful counter-narrative to Trump’s speech.
Grassroots Activism and Political Change
The “State of the People” event is a reflection of the growing influence of grassroots movements. While Trump’s speech will be widely covered by the media, this alternative event gives a platform to those often ignored by mainstream politics. It allows marginalized communities to lead the conversation about the issues that matter most to them.
Grassroots activism has been on the rise in recent years. Events like the “State of the People” livestream show the power of local communities to shape national discourse. Activists hope that the livestream will inspire others to become more involved in local initiatives and work toward political change.
The event highlights the importance of representation in politics. It’s not just about the voices of politicians; it’s about the voices of the people. For activists, the livestream is a chance to show that they will not be silenced.
The organizers behind the “State of the People” event plan to continue their work after the livestream. They view the event as just one step in a longer journey toward justice and equality. Once the livestream ends, the focus will shift to pushing for policy changes and continuing grassroots efforts.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that the issues facing marginalized communities are addressed at all levels of government. Organizers hope to build on the momentum of the livestream to push for real political change. The event is also a reminder that the fight for justice is ongoing and that everyone must do their part to create a more equitable society.
For more information on the event, visit New York Mirror.