Just five months after the previous ‘No Kings’ protest in the same location, participants took to Zelzah Avenue and Nordhoff Street in Northridge on March 28 to protest the Trump administration.
A vast majority of protestors listed recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and the war in Iran as primary issues pushing them to participate in Northridge’s protest.
“Events like this build people’s power,” said CSUN alum Joshua Dullano. “It’s by going to these rallies, building a mass movement, where we see change happen.”
Dullano, who attended as a representative of the Filipino Youth Collective, said they are attempting to “wage ICE out of the San Fernando Valley.”
Two other CSUN alumni, Sarina Rossi and Reema Haque, aired similar notions and highlighted the importance of young people coming out to demonstrate.
“I think it’s very important for younger people to be out here protesting,” Rossi said. “We are setting up the conditions for future generations … and it’s important that we use our voice to speak up for what’s wrong against the fascism that’s happening.”
Haque stated that she is always inspired by students gathering at CSUN for protests and explained the importance of protecting one another. She said that CSUN students should feel an added interest in the cause, considering that the Cal State system hosts the highest number of both immigrant and undocumented students.
“Everyone says our younger community is not going to be affected by it,” Haque said. “It is affecting us every day. … We want students to feel safe.”
Other groups took to creative ways of showing support for the ‘No Kings’ cause. Hundreds of protesters held and waved personalized signs and flags, while others were seen playing bongos and maracas throughout the two-hour protest.
“With everything that’s going on in this nation…they took time for joy,” said Colleen Toumayan, a leader of Northridge Indivisible. “To show that our spirit is alive, and we’re here, and we will fight for this country.
For those who showed up without a sign, Northridge Indivisible, the organization hosting the protest, provided sign-making supplies if needed.
Jennifer Lowe, a volunteer and local artist, decided to get involved with the cause through an arts and crafts booth. She said she stocked up on art supplies the night prior and then helped protesters by sketching their message and guiding them in decorating it in their desired style.
“I would drive by some of the original protests, and I couldn’t read any of the signs,” Lowe chuckled. “I can do art, I can make them more visible to the people passing by.”
Many of the signs featured monarch butterflies. Alex Reza, a former San Fernando high school teacher, explained that the monarch butterfly symbolizes resilience and courage for immigrants, particularly from Mexico. He also added that he thought the protest brought positive energy and excitement to produce change.
Toumayan, along with fellow organizer Betty Toto, agreed that the protest had a positive impact on the community and brought people together in a variety of ways.
Toumayan and Toto represented Northridge Indivisible and worked together to host Northridge’s ‘No Kings’ protest. Toto said that this time around, the turnout was much larger and also noted the increase in younger demonstrators.
“We had more diversity in age and folks of different backgrounds. I’m happy to see that,” Toto said. “That is really good.”
