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NC Rises Up: Durham & Raleigh Join 50-State ‘Protect Democracy March’ This Saturday

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

DURHAM, NC | RALEIGH, NC — North Carolinians will once again take to the streets this Saturday, April 19, joining a coordinated 50-state effort to protect democracy, civil rights, and essential public services. Two major marches—one in Durham and another in Raleigh—will serve as rallying cries against rising threats from federal cuts, political overreach, and attacks on vulnerable communities.

These powerful demonstrations follow the record-breaking April 5 protests, during which over 5.2 million people across the nation demanded action and accountability.

Durham: Protect Democracy March

Durham’s march will take place at Major the Bull (211 W. Parrish St.), beginning at 11:00 AM. Organized by the Durham Democrats, Engaged Durhamites for Democracy, and the Durham Progressive Democrats, the rally will address:

  • Ongoing efforts to dismantle healthcare
  • Attacks on workers’ rights
  • Harmful tariffs and inflation
  • Corporate overreach from figures like Elon Musk

Durham has become a hub of resistance, with multiple high-impact protests already held this spring:

  • March 23: Rally to protect the U.S. Postal Service alongside letter carriers’ unions
  • April 2: Protest at Durham VA Hospital against proposed cuts to veterans’ health services
  • April 5: Over 2,000 people gathered at Major the Bull for a “Hands Off” protest targeting Trump and Musk
  • 8 protests to date have been held at Tesla in Raleigh

Community members, grassroots organizers, union leaders, and local advocates continue to stand united in the fight to preserve democracy and demand justice for all.

Raleigh: Forward Together March for Justice and Unity

protect democracyAlso on Saturday, April 19, the “Forward Together: A March for Justice and Unity” will take place in Raleigh from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Halifax Mall (300 North Salisbury Street).

Organized in part by the NC Poor People’s Campaign, this rally continues the historic legacy of the Forward Together movement. The event will begin with a rally, followed by a peaceful march around the legislative building. Signage is welcome (no poles or sticks, please).

Organizers demand:

  • A moral budget that prioritizes people over tax cuts for the wealthy
  • Full protection and counting of every ballot cast
  • Justice and equity for immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, students, and low-income families

Registration is requested but not required to attend the Raleigh event: https://actionnetwork.org/events/forward-together-march-for-justice-unity

The Message Is Clear

These events are about more than protest; they’re about demanding a future where rights are protected, services are expanded, and leaders are held accountable. From grassroots groups to union leaders and faith communities – across both cities and the country – Americans are mobilizing en masse, sending a clear message to elected officials: You are either with us or against us. The April 19 demonstration aims to reinforce that message and keep the momentum to defend democracy growing through bold, visible, peaceful resistance.