“Alabama Unity Rally” Peaceful but Fiercely Anti-Trump
Recent anti-Donald Trump rallies around the nation have been marred by violence. Some feared that would happen in Birmingham, especially after social media threats. But Saturday night, though hundreds protested, no one got hurt. That’s not to say emotions weren’t high.
In the same park where police turned dogs and fire hoses on protesters in the 1960s, a diverse crowd of several hundred gathered to shout their support for unity in opposition to a Donald Trump presidency. They chanted, sang, and then marched through downtown Birmingham, with police cruisers stopping traffic. Chants included “Muslim lives matter,” “Latino lives matter,” and “Not my president!” Common themes among marchers and speakers were supporting people who’ve faced discrimination, especially recently, and reforming or abolishing the Electoral College, which gave Trump the election victory despite Hillary Clinton winning the popular vote.
The event was organized partly through social media, where some commenters wrote that today’s marchers should be attacked with fire hoses and dogs. But the worst opposition turned out to be a couple hecklers. One shouted “You are ridiculous!” as the processions passed a bar chanting “We reject the president-elect.”
The three-hour rally ended peacefully, with thanks and loud cheers for the Birmingham Police Department.
Dan Carsen, WBHM
Before things even started, Birmingham Police had ringed the park.
‘Rocky Horror’ is 50! We propose a toast. (You know what to do)
Rocky Horror aficionados used to attend screenings of the film over and over to take notes on the details. Accurately mirroring every line and dance move has gotten easier over time.
NPR-Ipsos poll: Americans don’t broadly support Trump’s National Guard deployments
Americans are concerned about crime, but don't broadly support President Trump's deployment of the National Guard to U.S. cities, according to a new NPR-IPSOS poll.
Cardi B confronts 7 years of expectation, with quantity her weapon of choice
On her sophomore release, Am I the Drama?, the trash-talking Bronx rapper still has no filter — but could, perhaps, have used an editor.
How a Toledo tattoo artist helps turn scars into art
Brian Finn is a tattoo artist in Toledo, Ohio who has been offering free and discounted tattoos for people covering trauma scars for more than 10 years.
How the beloved state fair grew from livestock showcases to cornucopias of amusement
The state fair dates back to the 1800s, and its agricultural roots go back even further. Ever since, states have been putting their own spin on the annual event while staying true to tradition.
As federal funds wane, NPR ruefully clashes with CPB
NPR asked a federal judge to block CPB from awarding a $57.9 million grant to a new consortium of public media institutions to operate the satellite that connects the public radio system.
