Rally for a Free Press: Protecting our First Amendment Rights

Saturday, March 4, 2017 was sunny and chilly, and the mood at the Traverse City Rally for a Free Press was positive and spirited. Concerned citizens of all ages were gathered in front of the Traverse City Record Eagle office at noon to express support for a free press, our First Amendment rights and the importance of the media in maintaining our democracy. Cheerleaders kept chants going with positive affirmations including, “this is what democracy looks like.” Vehicles going by honked in support, with passengers waving, giving a thumb up. Rally members mingled, making new friends, while talking about issues that mattered to them. Carol Shuckra, a Traverse City resident said, "going to the Washington D.C. Women's March was a life-transforming event." When she got an email about Saturday's "Traverse City Free Press" rally, she said "I knew I just had to be here for this!" She held her sign and shared her voice to protect our First Amendment. Positive rallies like this in Traverse City show that there are concerned members of the community who will speak out; that we have a voice, and that we certainly won’t be silenced.

Submitted by Lisa Dant, Communications Committee Member, Grand Traverse Dems