KENNEWICK, Wash. – The streets of Columbia Center Boulevard were filled with protestors on Labor Day as part of the national ‘Workers over Billionaires’ demonstration.
Roughly 500 people gathered in Kennewick to voice their concerns against the current administration. Participants spanned all ages, united in their demand for change.
“We work hard and deserve to have the wealth and the share of resources that are available,” said Loren Malone, founder of Indivisible Tri Cities.
The protest was organized by Indivisible’s national organization, with the Tri Cities’ local chapter inviting the community to join the cause. Malone emphasized the importance of being heard.
“This country is built on we the people. Us. That’s us,” she said. “That’s not our elected officials, that’s not the billionaires, that’s not companies. That’s us, and I think this shows that people want to be heard and when we feel like we are not being listened to or paid attention to, it makes us come out and stand up and say, don’t forget to listen to us, too.”
Families like the Olsens were also present, with Michael Olsen bringing his daughters Daylin and Shelby to the event. Michael expressed his desire to teach his children the value of participating in democracy.
“I want to be known as the father that supports the rights for my girls, especially. A dad that encourages them to participate in democracy, right? Like, if we don’t participate in it, we’re going to lose it. The rights we don’t protect for others are the rights our children won’t have,” he said.
Daylin Olsen, one of the young protestors, shared her motivation for attending.
“This is not the country that I want to grow up in. This is not the country I want to raise my kids in. And that doesn’t stand for what I believe in. Our current leader doesn’t. And so I’m out here to show my support for change,” she stated.
Malone further explained that the goal of such demonstrations is to unite people rather than divide them.
“When they come here, they’re feeling togetherness. That’s what we want to foster. Remember that there are other people that are feeling the same way you are. They may not believe the same things you do. They may not look like you, but they believe in democracy and they’re out here fighting for that,” she said.
Looking ahead, Malone announced that Indivisible Tri Cities plans to host a meet and greet with local candidates, providing an opportunity for politicians to connect with their constituents.
