Originally by Chandelis Duster, NPR at whyy.org
It started on Reddit
The idea for a day of protest in each state originated on Reddit by a user named Evolved_Fungi in late January. The concept quickly gained traction on various social media platforms, according to organizers.
The first nationwide protest by 50501 occurred on Feb. 5. And while it did not attract the hundreds of thousands of protesters seen on Jan. 21, 2017 — the day after Trump’s first inauguration — hundreds of people participated across cities and at state capitals, including in Connecticut, Colorado and Hawaii. The organization estimates there were nearly 80 protests across 88 cities.
During those protests, participants called for Trump’s impeachment and removal from office, demanded an investigation into Elon Musk — who is leading the Department of Government Efficiency — and sought the reinstatement of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives that have been rescinded through executive orders.
For the next wave of protests, set to take place on Monday at state Capitols again and in Washington, D.C., Wilson says they expect a similar turnout, if not larger than the previous one. Their demands remain unchanged.
“We are still very much calling for the removal of Elon Musk. We find it very concerning that there is a non-government official that has the access that he does,” Wilson says. “And we would like to see the strengthening of anti-discrimination legislation.”
The group is also advocating for an investigation into Trump’s presidential appointees, especially those connected to Project 2025, such as Russell Vought, the architect of the conservative agenda.
Wilson says the 50501 Movement plans to hold more protests in the future.
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