Hundreds protested President Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Saturday at the Highland and Poplar intersection.
The protest, called “A Day of Service,” was led by the 50501 movement, Indivisible Memphis, and Rally for Rights from 1 to 4 p.m. with a litter cleanup before the event.
The protest occupied three corners at Highland and Poplar with speakers in the green space near the intersection. 2024 Senate Candidate Marquita Bradshaw and Orion Overstreet, a University of Memphis sophomore who founded Tigers vs. Musk, a group advocating for regulations on xAI, were two notable speakers.
While attendees came from varied backgrounds, alma maters, and other characteristics, many participants were University of Memphis students or recent graduates.
“I came here to cause a disruption, get people out here, keep people motivated, knowing there is a fight,” said Abbie Banegas, a student at the University of Memphis.
Protesters chanted against actions the Trump administration has taken, including backtracking on LGBTQ+ rights, the imprisonment of Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador, and Elon Musk’s xAI supercomputer in Memphis, which has been accused of violating environmental laws.
People driving by had a great deal of support for the protesters. The intersection was filled with honking in support for the entire event. While a few drivers would give thumbs down or scream profanity and slurs at protesters, they were a small crowd and were often drowned out by honking.
The event staff guided protesters and protected them as they crossed the street and also had a table giving out snacks and water.
Since the protests began on the corner last month, it has continued to draw bigger crowds every weekend. The protesters meet every Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. as long as weather permits.
