RESIST

Sanctuary cities and faith-based spaces have a lengthy history in the United States, but they became a particularly contentious–and important–practice during President Trump’s first term. Donald Trump came into office on a wave of rhetoric demonizing undocumented immigrants and a commitment to increasing deportations. With the advance warning, a wide network of immigration activists, including many faith-based organizations, planned how they would meet the challenge.

The Standing Rock protests began in April of 2016 in response to the building of the Dakota Access Pipeline near the Standing Rock Reservation. While the protests remained peaceful, a mix of police, National Guard, and private security forces responded with violence, attempting to repress protesters. In response, the protesters shared footage of the violence across the internet. As the videos went viral, a wide coalition of actors – ranging from veterans to environmentalists or social justice activists – mobilized to defend the protesters and their cause.

Imagine if armed militia and Patriot groups from across the country descended on your community to occupy nearby public lands and claimed that they were protecting you. Well, that’s exactly what happened in Burns, Oregon, a town of 2,700 people, for 41 days in the winter of 2016.  Just like many rural communities across the US, Harney County residents were fed up with these attempts at using intimidation and violence to gain political influence, and decided to say enough is enough.

Whitefish, Montana, a town of about 8000 people, is known for its natural beauty and occasional celebrity sightings. In 2017, it received national news coverage when neo-Nazis were planning an armed march on Martin Luther King Day to promote white supremacy. A community group called “Love Lives Here” took a stand. 

When residents of Enid, Oklahoma (population: less than 50,00) learned that the city had elected a person rumored to be a white nationalist to the city council, they organized.  They formed the Enid Social Justice Committee (ESJC) and engaged in a campaign that shone a spotlight on the council member’s views and past actions. For months, through peaceful protest and sustained advocacy at city council meetings, their campaign garnered press attention for their revelations.

As Moms for Liberty pushes book bans and extremist school board takeovers, Grandparents for Truth is fighting back. By exposing political violence, reclaiming the language of family and freedom, and mobilizing communities, they’re shifting the conversation. The fight for truthful, inclusive education is far from over—but they’re making sure the next generation has a chance to learn without fear.