50 States, 50 Protests, 1 Day (50501) Rally Richmond

This past Wednesday, I attended the 50 States, 50 Protests, 1 Day rally in Richmond. The rally was part of a larger grassroots movement known as “50501,” which started on Reddit. The movement called for nationwide, independently organized protests at every state capitol on Feb. 5. Our goal was to protest the Trump administration’s policies, Heritage Foundation, and Project 2025. Other more personal reasons varied among the crowd. 

I was unaware of the movement until a few days prior when my mom sent me a screenshot of a Facebook post searching for speakers for the event. At first, I brushed it off- there was no way I could write and memorize a speech on such short notice, especially considering my laundry list of schoolwork I still needed to do. But then I thought, I have so much to say. There was no way I could pass up the opportunity, so in just three days, I prepared my speech “Speak Up.” I even helped organize the event alongside Dia Figueroa, the primary organizer, and a few other passionate activists who formed our “rag-tag team,” as we liked to call it.

When I arrived in Capitol Square, I was shocked at the turnout! Hundreds of protesters- students, seniors, lawmakers, parents with their children, and virtually every demographic you can think of- were gathered around the Bell Tower.

While I stood waiting to deliver my speech, the most beautiful, unifying thing happened: a woman began addressing the crowd but was stopped by a security officer, who told her she could not speak until the time assigned per the permit (the interaction occurred around 12, our permit was for 12:30 pm-1:30 pm). The crowd began raging at the officer, but the woman calmly responded, “Well, may we sing?” The officer, seemingly puzzled by her response, stumbled for an answer before finally settling with compliance. According to the Capitol Grounds’ law, there was no rule prohibiting singing without a permit. So, we sang. 

Friends wrapped their arms over one another, protesters flew their flags and displayed their signs as we sang in unison to off-key songs, including The Star-Spangled Banner and other “patriotic” ballads. I stared into the crowd in a daze of inspiration from the sheer unity around me. It’s a moment I’ll never forget. 

We sang for a while longer until 12:30, when we were permitted to speak. Dia Figueroa, the 8th-grader responsible for inciting the Virginia protest, opened the event with a short speech before introducing the guest speaker (me!). 

I was a heap of nerves until I introduced myself, “Lyn Jones, a sixteen-year-old Human Rights Activist and founder of The Changemaker’s Diary,” and the crowd erupted! It was like a pat on the back that meant, “You got this, we’re listening,” and all the nerves melted away. 

I spoke about the parallels between the rise of Nazism in the early 1900s and the actions we’re currently seeing from the Trump administration (mass deportations, ending birthright citizenship, use of detention facilities and camps, censoring certain minorities’ history, banning certain minorities from military service, false campaign promises, use of propaganda, etc.). Then, I quoted Holocaust victim Martin Niemöller to emphasize that people cannot presume they are safe from the actions of the Trump administration or Heritage Foundation, and, to stop the madness that is the political state of America- we must take collective action. 

Lastly, I delivered a call of action, asking the audience to: 

1. Commit to small acts of resistance, such as not standing for the Pledge of Allegiance, attending protests, and avoiding corporations that fund Trump’s actions. 
2. Vote in local and state elections and school board meetings for policies that will protect our communities from federal manipulation. 
3. Educate themselves by reading the news, talking with local lawmakers, and being active on social media.
4. Inform those around them about issues as they arise- whether via social media or in conversation- to ensure that our next wave of voters are informed voters. 
5. Use the power of their voice, and SPEAK UP!

After delivering my speech, I was overwhelmed with “great job,” “you’re so inspiring,” and “thank you for what you do,” among other testaments of support. I am so grateful to be surrounded by such an uplifting community! I don’t do what I do for praise (I get quite a lot of hateful comments/messages, as expected!), but I love hearing that I am making an impact on others. Some may even say I’m change-making (get it!?). 

The rest of the event entailed miscellaneous protesters coming forward to share a few words, chants including “stop the coup” and “no justice, no peace,” and interviews with local media stations. For a complete list of features (newspapers, articles, broadcasts), click here. 

Lastly, If you want to get into activism, join the resistance, protect human rights, and STOP PROJECT 2025- I implore you to do so!

• Join relevant Facebook groups (Moms Demand Action *insert your state*, Liberal Women of *insert your state*, Gun Violence Prevention Advocates of *insert your state*).
•  Search for “protests near me.” If none are coming up soon, click through the relevant pages. Many advocacy organizations allow you to subscribe via phone number or email to receive notifications about new events in your area. 
• If you are unable to safely protest (no matter the reason, no judgment!), join social media groups to help others stay informed. Simply researching and reposting about issues can help others stay in the loop- the more we know, the better we can fight back!

I’d like to thank everyone who showed up to the 50501 Protest (say ‘hey’ in the comments below!), Dia Figueroa for organizing and allowing me the opportunity to speak, and all of my readers who support my work! In times like these, community is key, so I’m grateful for those who are a part of mine.

Have the day you voted for,

-Lyn Jones 

P.S: Click here to hear my full speech!