The 50501 movement mobilized thousands across the United States a few days ago for nationwide protests under the theme, “United Against Project 2025.”
This coordinated initiative, fueled by social media and led by a coalition of grassroots organizations, called for simultaneous demonstrations on Feb. 5 in all 50 states in one day.
According to the 50501 movement’s website, protesters gathered to defend liberty, equality and justice, voicing opposition to policies they believe undermine democratic values and prioritize corporate interest over the warfare of the American people.
The 50501 movement operated in a decentralized manner, with no central leadership, allowing a variety of organizations and local activities to lead protests independently.
As detailed on the 50501 movement’s website, this structure enabled individuals within capital sections of the country from different backgrounds and regions to share concerns about policies brought to the forefront by President Donald Trump’s administration, which protestors believe threaten democratic values and public welfare.
The 50501 movement’s protests were a direct response to the policies proposed under Project 2025, a blueprint developed by the Heritage Foundation which has been widely criticized for threatening fundamental rights and liberties. An NBC News poll found that 57 percent of registered voters view Project 2025 negatively, with 51 percent expressing a very negative opinion, while just four percent view the proposal positively.
According to the 50501 Declaration of Equal Liberty, “We the people reject the agenda proposed by the Heritage Foundation in its publication of Project 2025. Its rhetoric intends to divide, isolate and alienate our society, as well as dismantle the foundational liberties of our country by attacking our institutions.”
Project 2025 outlines a range of proposals that voters and policy experts argued would harm vulnerable communities, increase inequality and undermine core democratic values.
Among the policies outlined in the project, one proposal includes reforming tax policies by increasing taxes on lower-income groups, as well as “restrict[ing] access to abortion by limiting medication abortion and mail-order pills,” and “enhanc[ing] public safety by increasing police militarization.”
These provisions, along with plans to “revise environmental policies by rolling back climate change regulations” and “enhance workforce development by reducing funding for public education,” have sparked widespread opposition.
Howard students involved in the 50501 protests said they view these policies as destructive, eroding the freedoms that have long been foundational to American society.
The movement’s Declaration of Equal Liberty states, “We reject the obstruction of our rights, whether through manipulation, coercion or duress. We believe it is our civic duty to defend our freedoms and support each other’s equal treatment.”
Protestors, including those from Howard who shared their views during the protest, expressed that they believe the plan seeks to divide the nation, isolating marginalized communities and increasing disparities in wealth and power. This belief was a central motivator for their participation.
In the movement’s Declaration of Equal Liberty, it emphasized that the protest is a form of civil discourse.
Sabene Uwazie, a sophomore psychology major and sociology minor from Chicago, attended the protest in Washington, D.C. Held behind the U.S. Capitol, the small protest had 50-70 attendees and featured signs, chants and megaphones.
Uwazie described the 50501 protest as part of a nationwide day of solidarity.
She expressed that the protest was an opportunity for Americans to express how they feel about recent government actions like the recent changes to the USAID building and other agency takeovers.
Uwazie also described the atmosphere as being “very charged” with a sense of frustration and desire for change among attendees.
“It felt like everyone there was completely fed up,” she said.
Although the protest was not a traditional march, participants gathered in circles and exchanged ideas.
Uwazie said that there were some radical voices, such as calls to stop paying federal taxes, but overall, the crowd remained open to different perspectives.
“People were receptive to pretty much everything, but the ‘don’t pay your taxes’ part wasn’t very popular,” she said.
Jahnesa Jones, a second-year architecture major from Chesterfield, Virginia, participated in the 50501 protest.
Dissatisfied by Trump’s focus on what she deems as profit over people, Jones joined the protest after learning about it on social media.
“The new president doesn’t have the people’s interests at heart,” she said, referring to policies like immigration and healthcare.
Protesters called for removing figures like Trump and Elon Musk while denouncing large corporations like Amazon and Target.
“It was a way for people, not a part of the protest, to hear what we were talking about,” Jahnesa said.
Though the protest’s size limited its impact, Jahnesa found it valuable for building community and raising awareness.
“It was somewhat successful. If we had engaged the public more, it could have been even more effective,” she said.
Copy edited by Camiryn Stepteau
