Mobilize Chico demonstration
by Dave Waddell
Chris Nichols, a retired school teacher and counselor, had never gone in much for activism. That all changed with the election of President Donald Trump.
“All of a sudden, I’m upset,” she said.
On Jan. 25, Nichols was standing with seven others from the group Mobilize Chico at the intersection of Warner and West Sacramento avenues holding a pink sign with the message: “Stay Loud 4 Equality.”
The group’s demonstration was called “Signs for Solidarity.” Its purpose was to show support for community members who have been victimized by racist actions in Chico.
Chris Nichols, holding the pink sign, became an activist after the election of Donald Trump.
Members from Mobilize Chico met recently at Chico State’s Cross-Cultural Leadership Center and heard from students who experienced hateful acts.
“It was pretty compelling,” Nichols said.
Brianne Epley (left) came out to support people who have been subjected to racist acts in Chico.
Another activist, Brianne Epley, who was wearing heart-shaped sunglasses, held a multi-colored sign with multiple messages, including “Black Lives Matter” and “Immigrants Make America Great.”
“We don’t want racism to be the loudest voice in our community,” Epley said.
Epley said Mobilize Chico has held several demonstrations in response to the Trump presidency, including one that attracted 40 activists in the rain.
Sometimes the demonstrators are heckled with chants of “Trump, Trump, Trump!,” a revved engine, or a Nazi salute, they said.