An upside-down American flag—a signal of national distress—hangs from a woman’s backpack as she waves to passing cars, sign raised high. “This is a war on women… and everybody. photo by J.D. Johnson
On February 17, 2025, the 50501 Movement orchestrated a series of nationwide protests under the banner “No Kings on Presidents’ Day.” This marked the second coordinated demonstration by the movement in less than two weeks, aiming to challenge the anti-democratic actions of President Donald Trump and the influential role of billionaire adviser Elon Musk. (APNEWS.com), (NPR.org)
Scope and Participation
Demonstrations unfolded across all 50 states, with significant gatherings in major cities and state capitals. In Boston, approximately 1,000 protesters braved subfreezing temperatures, marching from the Statehouse to City Hall while chanting slogans like “Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho, Elon Musk has got to go.” In Houston, hundreds gathered at City Hall, condemning the administration’s policies and denouncing Musk’s unchecked power within the government. (HoustonChronicle.com)
I was in North Hollywood for this latest protest, where several hundred fed-up Americans took to the streets—not just to march, but to strategize, to build, to connect, and to prepare for the fight ahead. By 11:00 AM, they were already gathering. Mothers with strollers. Retirees in their seventies. Veterans. Artists. Students. Young organizers gripping clipboards and cameras, scanning the growing crowd with anxious stares.
Community volunteers from the movement led the march through North Hollywood’s streets—a wide, deliberate route meant to do more than be seen. It was about presence. About making it clear they weren’t leaving. They stopped traffic on Tujunga Avenue, then turned onto Magnolia Boulevard, mounting the sidewalk to engage with drivers leaning on their horns in solidarity.
Tesla drivers weren’t as lucky. An enduring chant followed them down the street—“NO NAZIS! SELL YOUR TESLA!”
The mood was defiant. Celebratory. Community-driven. But also focused. Disciplined. Determined. The march circled-back, ending at North Hollywood Park, where citizen speakers turned frustration into action: A call for organized sustained resistance, for nationwide economic boycotts set to escalate on February 28.
“No purchases. No Amazon. No Walmart. No Starbucks. No unnecessary gas fill-ups. No online orders. No engagement. Skip the big-brand entertainment, the news cycles designed to distract and divide. Absolute focus. This is about unity, discipline, and demonstrating collective will. This is not a protest. It’s not a gimmick. It’s a warning shot.” (Pol-Rev.com)
In downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach, hundreds more gathered. In Portland and Seattle, the crowds swelled to thousands. Their message unified: outrage at President Donald Trump’s unprecedented overreach and fury at Elon Musk’s unelected influence and dismantling of the federal government and critical infrastructure under the guise of “accountability”. (TheGuardian.com)
Similarly, in Albany, New York, despite freezing temperatures, hundreds rallied outside the state Capitol. Enthusiastic citizens eagerly took to their streets to participate in the nationwide initiative organized by the 50501 Movement, symbolizing “50 Protests, 50 States, One Movement.” Every voice raised in opposition to the mounting erosion of democratic principles under Trump’s administration. (TimesUnion.com), (AdvocateNews.com)
In Phoenix, tensions escalated when protesters attempted to enter the Arizona Statehouse to oppose a bill mandating local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration policies. Security personnel barred entry, allegedly leading to confrontations. Despite such incidents, the overarching theme of the protests was a peaceful call for the preservation of democratic norms, the rule of law, and a rejection of authoritarianism. (APNEWS.com)
And while mass media continues to downplay America’s response to Trump’s unprecedented power grab, reports confirm protests occurred in all 50 states, though full details on every state capital remain unclear. Still, the sheer scale of participation highlights a growing national movement demanding democratic accountability and systemic change.
50501 isn’t stopping. Organizers continue to call for escalation—more protests, more economic boycotts, more disruption. This isn’t a one-off holiday; it’s a rolling confrontation with power.
The message is clear: Accountability or resistance. America isn’t just watching—it’s choosing sides.
Lessons from the Past
Systemic change doesn’t come from a single protest.
The Civil Rights Movement wasn’t won in a day; it took years of sustained sit-ins, boycotts, voter registration drives, and legal battles. The Labor Movement didn’t succeed because of a single strike but through decades of worker-led organizing, from the Battle of Blair Mountain to the Flint Sit-Down Strike.
ACT UP didn’t stop at one protest. They shut down the FDA, occupied offices, and disrupted political events until lifesaving AIDS treatments were made available. Direct action worked because it was sustained—because people didn’t just show up and go home. They came back. They disrupted. They escalated.
And while mass demonstrations—the 1963 March on Washington, the 1913 Women’s Suffrage Parade, the 2017 Women’s March—are vital for galvanizing support and shifting public discourse, their real value is measured by what follows.
If people leave a protest and simply go home, the momentum dies.
If they use it as a launching point—for direct action, for economic pressure, for organized resistance—it becomes part of a larger strategy for change.
Power is always betting that survival will keep you in line. Authoritarian’s count on fear keeping you obedient. That you’ll be too busy scraping by to notice they’re stripping away your rights, your wages, your future.
Protesting isn’t just resistance—it’s connection. When you show up, you meet people who care about the same things you do. People who organize. People with resources. People who know how to fight back.
That’s not just solidarity—it’s security.
50501: The Beginning or the End?
That’s the question now. 50501 planted a flag. What happens next decides everything. Does it fizzle out, or does it become a movement? Organizers are calling for boycotts. More action. Escalation.
The real test? Whether people follow through. Whether they refuse to comply with a system that only listens when its foundations shake.
Protests build networks. Networks keep you safe. The more you engage, the less alone you are. So when the system comes down on you, you won’t be standing alone.
One protest is not enough. Sustained, organized, disruptive dissent? That’s how you change history.
I’ll leave you with a question from one of our Ukrainian allies, Dmytro Tyshetsky:
If you are paying attention—you are the resistance.
Next Steps…
What Can You Do?
The 50501 Movement is more than a series of protests—it’s a sustained call to action. To effect meaningful change, continued and organized efforts are essential. Here’s how you can contribute:
1. Participate in the February 28 Economic Blackout
- Exercise Economic Influence: A nationwide economic blackout is scheduled for February 28, 2025. This initiative encourages individuals to refrain from making any purchases for 24 hours, aiming to underscore the collective power of consumer choices.
- Target Specific Corporations: The boycott focuses on major retailers and corporations perceived to support policies undermining democratic values. While specific targets may vary, participants are urged to avoid patronizing large corporations and instead support local businesses.
2. Engage in Local Organizing Efforts
- Attend Planning Meetings: Grassroots organizing is pivotal. Connect with local activist groups to participate in planning sessions for upcoming demonstrations and actions. These meetings often take place in community centers or are organized through local social media groups.
- Pressure Local Representatives: Identify and reach out to your local officials to express concerns about policies and actions that threaten democratic principles. Persistent, informed communication can influence political stances and decisions.
3. Amplify the Movement’s Message
- Utilize Social Media Platforms: Share information, personal stories, and updates related to the 50501 Movement to maintain public awareness and counteract misinformation.
- Engage in Community Discussions: Host or participate in local forums, town halls, or discussion groups to foster community engagement and solidarity.
4. Prepare for Ongoing Actions
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of upcoming events and initiatives by following official 50501 Movement channels and local activist organizations.
- Organize and Mobilize: Form or join local groups committed to sustained activism. Decentralized efforts enhance resilience and adaptability.
- Plan for Direct Actions: Beyond protests, consider organizing sit-ins, workshops, and other forms of peaceful direct action to maintain pressure for change.
5. Commit to Sustained Engagement
The momentum of the 50501 Movement relies on continuous participation and dedication. By integrating these actions into daily life, individuals contribute to a collective force advocating for accountability and the preservation of democratic integrity.
For more information and updates, visit the official 50501 Movement website or checkout their affiliated organizations: