Hundreds in Santa Cruz continue to protest Trump’s victory
Anti-Donald Trump protests continued in half a dozen cities across the country on Wednesday night, and in Santa Cruz, students were again in the streets after thousands gathered on campus after the election.
People were chanting “not Trump, not my president” and “love trumps hate,” on Pacific Street. Even though Hillary Clinton encouraged her supporters to accept the Trump presidency with an open mind, many say it’s not that easy.
“This is something so serious. Families are being separated and are going to be separated,” UCSC student Gabriela Ake said.
Ake has been protesting since the presidential election results came out early Wednesday morning. She says she’s here to represent those who could be driven out of the county when Trump takes office.
“Coming from parents who are undocumented, and having family who is undocumented, and I understand that we’ve had deportations before, now (it) is a lot more serious,” Ake said.
Ake is among a diverse crowd of protesters who don’t want to accept the election results.
“If this was like Mitt Romney or some normal Republican, I would, but this is, like, a man who mocks disabled people, mocks people of every different race, treats people who are Muslim or Jewish like our natural-born enemy,” Moss Landing resident Marilyn Lynds said.
They are also scared about what happens next.
“I live in a neighborhood where there are Muslims, Mexicans and black people, and I fear for my neighbors and for myself,” Lynds said.
Though their message was against the president-elect, they also urged acceptance.
“Everybody is equal–doesn’t matter what race you are, doesn’t matter what disability you have, whether you are homeless or handicapped,” UCSC student Dan Chang said.
“Tell us, tell us your story, we want to hear you. We want to know who we are making a difference for,” Ake added.
UCSC students said they are planning another protest on Mission Street on Thursday evening, and they are opening to get the community involved.
