Protestors Pack Ferndale As Part of National Demonstrations Against President Trump’s Policies
(Crystal A. Proxmire, April 5, 2025)
Ferndale, MI – Over 2,000 people packed Downtown Ferndale Saturday afternoon as part of an organized movement of protests across the county dubbed “Hands Off.” Protests also occurred in local cities like Novi and Troy.
Invitations for the rallies stated “Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. They’re taking everything they can get their hands on, and daring the world to stop them. On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets nationwide to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!”
According to the Associated Press, there were over 1,200 rallies scheduled with every state included.
Tom Holliday was among those at the Ferndale protest, donning a sign that said “Keep your hands off everything!” Holliday told Oakland County Times “The administration is hurting all of us and it needs to stop.” He said he is worried about his investments and social security as the stock market has been falling in the wake of announced tariffs. But at least the gathering provided Holliday and others with a sense of hope. “It was great to see all the people and the passion to make a difference,” he said.
Jea Ru posed for many pictures with her sign that simply said “What Cory Said (All of It),” referring to referring to US Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey’s 25 hour speech earlier this month which delayed the vote to confirm Matthew Whitaker as the US Ambassador to NATO.
“I kept trying to think of how to boil down everything that I’m upset about, but it wouldn’t fit on a sign,” Ru said. “Many people read it and said, ALL OF IT, right back to me, along with telling me how much they admire Cory Booker. People knew exactly what I was talking about. Quite a few asked to take a photo.”
When asked what she is protesting about, Ru said “All of it is scary. The assault on civil rights, the destruction of our economy, the dissolution of our alliances, the dismantling of government services, the self-dealing and the abject cruelty. 401k decimated this week, women being second-class citizens, Social Security might not be there for my retirement, inflation is going to soar with the tariffs … and overall a sense of shame at how we are now international bullies. I just got a job instead of retiring because I don’t think I’ll have enough to make ends meet anymore, between the inflation, my 401k cratering and Social Security being in jeopardy. Worked hard my whole life, but I guess I’ll now have to work til I’m 70.”
From her place on Woodward Ave, Ru was able to see people of all ages and diverse backgrounds joined together. “Two things that will stick with me a long time are the older man I saw driving slowly on Woodward, window down, and honking his horn in solidarity… with oxygen tubes in his nose. And also a couple with very young children (I’d guess their ages were 3 and 5) The parents had protest signs but they also took the time to make signs for their children, so they could hold them and participate. And the kids proudly held them out toward Woodward.”
While there are many policies of concern, one that is near and dear to Michelle Williamson’s heart is that of public libraries. Her sign said “Hands Off Our Libraries,” and she further explained “I’m a librarian so I’m very concerned about the decimation of the IMLS {Institute of Museum and Library Services}. It will cut crucial access to materials and services for library patrons, and I also use these services all the time.
While bringing attention to issues such as library funding, the protest also brought Williamson comfort. “It was awesome to be in the physical presence of so many like-minded folks. The energy was palpable. We spend a lot of time feeling anxious online- it was great to feel energized out in public,” she said.
Attorney Bill Seikaly has been protesting for a long time. “Having participated in many protests in the 60s and 70s, this was very different. The diversity of age in the crowd, from the very young to the very old was very interesting and heartwarming. I felt like I was around kindred spirits, which gave me hope. I especially enjoyed interacting with young people in the crowd as well as people my own age. And it warmed my heart to see people there, trying to protect others, not just their own self-interest.
Seilkaly added “I am concerned that our democracy is truly in jeopardy. I am personally offended by the way that he has attacked parts of our democracy that I view as so important. For example, his attack on free, speech, civil rights, and especially going after lawyers who disagree with him. I simply do not understand how a person who has claimed to be the victim of a witch hunt and that government was weaponized against him, now uses government to go after his enemies.”
Lori Dziurda brought her ten-year-old daughter to the protest, who carried two signs, stating “Hands off my education,” and “My future, my rules.”
“My daughter is 10 – I’ve demonstrated a lot for a long time but this is one of her first experiences. Personally I didn’t want to force her to align to my politics before she was able to make up her own mind but I’ve seen her values and am sure of them so it seems time to teach her how to fight since Gen Alpha is going to have to finish this.”
Dziurda wanted her presence to help other people not feel as alone. “To people out there hurting and scared – elderly and disabled people, immigrants, single parents, women, men of color, LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors, veterans, folks experiencing financial hardship – I’m fighting with you and for you and I won’t stop while I have breath.”
