Demonstrations were seen across the nation last week after the conclusion of this year’s presidential election made Republican Donald Trump the President Elect.
Trump’s campaign, which was largely run on nationalistic rhetoric emboldening white supremacist groups, insulting women, immigrants, and people of non-Judeo Christian faiths, has many Americans upset.
On Friday, Nov. 11, in Homer, residents held two peaceful gatherings at Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith and Love, or WKFL Park.
Piper Daugherty organized a peaceful demonstration which included sign-waving at the park Friday afternoon. Around 2 o’clock, five people and a dog stood on the sidewalk. The people held signs reading things like, ‘Love Trumps Hate’ and ‘Stop Celebrating Violence’.
Friday evening, Kristen Cook put together a candlelight vigil which she organized via Facebook. Residents said they gathered to stand in solidarity against bigotry, racism, hatred, and fear.
“I thought it would be nice to just spread some peace and love and kind of join together as a community. I feel like that’s something Homer does really well," said Cook
Demonstrators at the vigil also held signs. Kristen's sister, Jordan Cook, who attended the vigil with her 6-year-old daughter, held a sign that read 'the time of the lone wolf is over'.
“It’s a part of a Hopi prophesy about this time when we need to push away from the shore, keep our heads above water, and look around and see who’s with us and celebrate,” said Jordan Cook.
Risa Jackinsky, who has worked at KBBI, also attended the demonstration.
“I’m here for unity and peace and standing together for that," said Jackinsky.
Jackinsky added that she hopes peaceful demonstrations will help bring people together in solving the nation’s problems and creating change.
