Community members gathered outside the Federal Courthouse to hold a vigil protesting what they describe as the current administration’s threats to democracy. The event brought together advocates who have been mobilizing around issues such as immigration enforcement and democratic integrity.
“This is a group of people coming together as a grassroots effort to speak out against the administration’s attack on democracy,” said Audrey Chavez, an organizer for the vigil. “We are here for the first time at the Federal Courthouse to express our dismay, our frustration, our concern, and to stand collectively as a people saying, you know, this is our nation and we are not in, um, we are not agreeing with the current administration’s billionaire takeover of our nation.”
The protests are part of the “50501” Movement—short for 50 protests, 50 states, one movement—which organizers say is focused on defending the Constitution and pushing back against what they see as executive overreach.
“We’re out here because we believe in protecting our democracy,” said Delia Lopez, a community member at the vigil. “This isn’t just about one issue—it’s about making sure our voices are heard and standing up to policies that hurt our communities.”
Marcella Diaz, a student at CSUB and Executive Vice President of the student government, joined the May Day rally and silent vigil in Bakersfield, said that proposed cuts to healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid would have devastating effects on people in her community.
Though the sign she carried wasn’t one she made herself, Diaz said its message resonated with her.
“This was one of the extra signs we had, but I made sure to read through all of them and pick one that meant something to me,” she said. “This one stood out because it talks about Medicare and Medicaid. That’s something really personal. My grandparents fully rely on it. I know someone who uses it for cancer treatment. We use these programs for medicine and basic needs.”
Anastasia Hopper said she joined the May Day rally and silent vigil in Bakersfield to stand up for justice, democracy, and human rights.
“I’m here because I believe in due process. I believe no one is above the law. As a survivor of sexual assault, I don’t want to see another woman’s rapist on TV every day. And my autistic son doesn’t belong on a national registry,” Hopper shared.
Hopper explained that the sign she brought to the rally was a nautical theme for a distress call.
“The ship is sinking. On one side, there’s a big yacht with Trump wearing a crown, throwing the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence into the water with an anchor because he’s sinking our democracy. On the other side, there’s a small tugboat full of people trying to rescue it and toss out a life preserver. That’s us out here today,” she said.
Protester Tonantzin, who did not share her last name, also attended an earlier gathering in Tehachapi before heading to Bakersfield. She held a sign that read: Hands off.
“What they’re doing with DOGE [Department of Government Efficiency] firing people, closing entire departments, leaving people unemployed doesn’t make sense. And to say they’re saving money? They’re not. What would save money is doing things carefully, thoughtfully, without freaking people out. What’s happening now is just cruelty. And that’s the point,” she said.
