Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
Intense political messages on thousands of primarily hand-lettered signs encapsulated the anger, rage and betrayal felt by more than 3,000 Guilford County residents, who participated in the Hands-Off Rally to protest the Trump Administration’s dissembling federal government services, programs and civil servant employment.
Saturday’s (April 5) rally was one of 1,200 similar protest events nationwide. Guilford County and area residents gathered at the Old Guilford County Courthouse in downtown Greensboro for nearly two hours, where they chanted and cheered in a festive and peaceful manner.
Spirited protesters lined both sides of Market Street from Eugene and Greene Streets. On the steps of the Courthouse, a variety of speakers spoke to condemn the “reckless” job slashing and funding cuts to programs at dozens of federal agencies by the Trump Administration and his newly created Dept. of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, a native South African and billionaire. The Piedmont Raging Grannies, a left-leaning political satirical chorus, sang ditties denouncing the silence of political leaders regarding the presidential administration’s actions.
Participants waved signs. Many in the crowd expressed support for the event’s organizers, who were able to arrange the protest rally in a limited amount of time.
One protester holding a sign which read, “Hands-Off Education-Jobs-Data-Trade,” said, “This rally was a good place for people concerned about the policies (of the Trump Administration) to come together. It puts pressure on elected leaders for change.”
The crowd marched east on Market St. to Elm St., then gathered in front of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum and returned to the Courthouse via February 1 Place.
