KEWANEE, Ill. — More than 125 residents gathered Saturday on the sidewalk that lines Main Street to be a part of the nationwide “Hands Off” movement to protest actions taken by President Donald Trump. The event was one of over 1,200+ demonstrations held across all 50 states and attended by millions of Americans.
The “Hands Off” demonstrations, planned by more than 150 organizations, including labor unions, civil rights organizations and veterans’ activists, describes itself as “a nationwide mobilization to stop the most brazen power grab in modern history,” according to its website.
For 89-year-old Nancy Nuding, Saturday’s protest was her first, but she felt compelled to turn out.
“I’m so upset with Trump and Elon Musk and the division,” she said.
This protest, she said, won’t be her last. “I’m hoping more people will speak out.”
Dave Kooi, who moved back to Kewanee from California on election day in 2016, also joined the protest.
“Even in a red county like Henry, there are plenty of folks who are fed up with government overreach,” he said. “It’s powerful to see neighbors from across the political spectrum standing together to say, ‘enough.’”
Kooi said most passing drivers were supportive and offered honks of support, though some expressed anger.
“To those flipping us off or rushing home to grab a Trump flag—we see your anger, and honestly, we’re concerned for you too,” he said. “This fight isn’t about left versus right. It’s about stopping a power grab that threatens us all.”
Many participants, including Joyce Dennis, held signs reflecting their concerns.
“Trump is destroying the whole country,” she said. “He and his friends want to take everything.”
Carol and David Stout voiced similar worries. Carol’s sign read, “Leave Greenland, Canada and Panama alone.”
David Stout worries about wealth distribution from the bottom to the top.
“The rich are going to get richer, and the poor are going to get poorer,” David Stout said.
Linda Carey held a sign dedicated to her family, saying she was protesting for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“He’s wrecking every good thing we had,” Carey said, citing Trump’s recent shutdown of Voice of America.
John Baum, the protest organizer, promoted the event on social media.
“There are a lot of people who are upset about this administration,” Baum said.
When asked why he felt compelled to organize the rally, he replied, “Why not? We need to speak up. It’s about the First Amendment.”
Kooi also emphasized the importance of using constitutional rights.
“We’re not out here to ‘win.’ We’re here because democracy only works if we all have a voice,” he said. “It’s great to see friends and neighbors showing up, speaking out and defending democracy itself.”
In Geneseo, a similar protest was held on Sunday, April 6. Organized by Geneseo resident Tom Carr, the demonstration attracted 95 citizens.
Just weeks earlier, Carr organized a Geneseo protest that brought out about 100 protesters. Like Kewanee’s protest, Carr said there were more supportive honks from passersby than hand gestures.
