As part of the national protests throughout the country, the local Indivisible River Falls group held a public rally on Saturday, April 5 at the River Falls Public Library. Armed with signs, over 500 people gathered outside the library before marching down Main Street to the strains of “This Land is Your Land,”

At Veterans/Heritage Park speakers from the crowd mounted a “soap box” and spoke about what they deemed “a takeover of our government” and frustration with congressional inaction to defend democracy. Homemade signs carried by the crowd registered concerns about recent threats to Social Security and Medicaid, defending government workers and agencies such as the post office, public education, libraries and National Parks.

Hudson resident Gary Ujifusa attended the rally with his wife, Barbara Ivey. He has been politically active since the 1970s, he said.

“What made this demonstration in River Falls so powerful was its breadth,” Ujifusa said. “It wasn’t about just one or two issues—it was about the economy, public education, the harmful effects of poorly executed federal labor force reductions, and the hundreds of millions of out-state dollars flowing into judicial and local elections in Wisconsin. Healthcare and our international relationships with key allies were also on many protestors’ minds.”

Others marched in concern over the influence of unelected individuals like Elon Musk, who holds excessive power in shaping government decisions, he added.

“What struck me most was the diversity of voices. Standing beside me was a Republican worried about his investments, an Independent concerned about the consolidation of presidential power, and Democrats upset about a variety of issues,” Ujifusa said. “Despite our political differences, we came together in unity—frustrated, but hopeful—finding solidarity and joy in knowing we’re not alone in wanting change.”

River Falls resident Sara Church was unable to participate in the rally but drove by a couple of times in support.

“I was so moved by the extent of the crowd, the joyful enthusiasm, and the peaceful unity that bound the throng together that it actually brought tears to my eyes,” Church said. “Coupled with the recent overwhelming win for Justice Crawford in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, I now have hope again.”

Brady Penfield, UW-River Falls student and former Wisconsin Assembly GOP candidate, also attended the rally. On his public social media page, he said he wore his MAGA hat to the protest as a “great conversation starter.”

“I had several meaningful conversations with people and built a strong foundation of common ground. This was my goal today,” Penfield said. “I did have a few interactions with guys who tried to scare me off and threaten me, but it didn’t work. I had the armor of God on.

“Hopefully they do this again. It was a lot of fun to have civil dialogue with opposing views.”

Indivisible urges all citizens who share concerns to continue to voice them to their elected representatives in Congress via phone or email.  Contact and issue information is available at:  https://5calls.org/

YouTube links to videos of the march can be found at the Indivisible River Falls Facebook and Blue Sky website: https://bsky.app/profile/indivisiblerf2.bsky.social

Two former congressional aides started the national Indivisible movement in 2016 to resist the Trump agenda by putting pressure on lawmakers.  It has taken root in over 4,000 independent local groups throughout every state of the union.

Indivisible River Falls is a volunteer organization started after the November 2024 election by six local women concerned about how the MAGA agenda would harm local people. It is affiliated with national and Wisconsin Indivisible organizations.

“Aligned with local priorities, we organize and act together to protect those worst affected by the recent events in Washington and on campaigns to restore and protect democracy,” said co-founder Jennifer Nelson.

The group is open to all. Interested folks may join by contacting them at indivisible.rf2@gmail.com