Photos by Jan Bukac

Demonstrators gathered in Seward on Saturday, marching along the waterfront bike trail from the Branson Pavilion to the Seward Boat Harbor, weaving through crowds attending Seward’s local kite festival.

“We’re pro-democracy, we’re in favor of preserving the Constitution, we’re against executive overreach, and we’re non-violent,” said Rhonda Spurr, the local organizer who led the march. Spurr outlined the protesters’ broad platform of concerns, adding, “We want to stop tariffs and mass confusion. We are against what is going on in today’s government.”

The demonstration drew participants of various ages, including high school students concerned about their future. One student, marching alongside her peers, expressed worry about her academic prospects.

“I feel it’s important for younger people to have a voice,” she said. “I’m worried for myself as I get ready to go to college. I’m worried about my college funds, about getting a job, especially in the future. I’m worried about funding for universities.”

The Seward protest was part of the nationwide “50501 Movement,” a decentralized network organizing demonstrations across all 50 states. As marchers proceeded along the trail, they chanted, “This is what democracy looks like,” with one veteran protester, who had attended all four previous Seward rallies, sharing their motivation: “I’m afraid of democracy going away.”

The grassroots movement plans to continue its demonstrations, with monthly gatherings scheduled through the 50501 movement’s coordination efforts.