July 4th: Raising our Voices

This year, as the Clear Creek Democrats march in the 4th of July Parade in Georgetown, we will commemorate and celebrate those who have shown the courage to protest.  We will wear costumes and carry signs meant to inspire others to participate in this uniquely American democratic power.  Please review the descriptions of protests below and find one that inspires you. 

Create the costume and carry a sign that pays tribute to the people and the issues people have taken to the streets.

If you need help with a costume or a sign, we have people to help!  Text Shakti Anderson 303-620-6247 or Laurie Beckel 303-909-8235. 

Gather at the corner of 11th Street and Rose Street in Georgetown beginning at 9:00 a.m. The parade begins at 11:00 a.m.

Raising Our Voices…1776-2025!!

Protest has been a cornerstone of American history, from the colonial era to the present day.

It is seen as a core American right, enshrined in the First Amendment's guarantees of assembly, speech, and petition. Americans have consistently employed various methods to advocate for change and challenge injustices, ranging from peaceful assemblies to more disruptive forms of civil disobedience. 

Notable examples of protest movements throughout American history:

Early America (pre-1800s)

• 1688 Germantown Quaker Petition Against Slavery: A group of Quakers submitted what's considered the "first written protest against slavery in the new world," highlighting its conflict with their values. Although not immediately accepted by their governing body, the Quaker community eventually banned enslavement within their group in 1776.

• 1773 Boston Tea Party: Colonists protested against British taxation policies, including the Tea Act, by dumping tea into the harbor. This act of defiance was a significant precursor to the American Revolution.

• 1791 Whiskey Rebellion: Farmers protested a new tax on whiskey, arguing against taxation without representation, using violence and intimidation to resist collection efforts. 

19th Century

• 1848 Seneca Falls Convention: The first women's rights convention in the US protested the unequal treatment of women and advocated for their rights and freedoms. This ignited the women's rights movement and the pursuit of suffrage.

• 1863 New York City Draft Riots: Violent demonstrations erupted in response to the Civil War draft, evolving into race riots where Black individuals were targeted.

• 1874 The Women's Crusade: This religious group protested the sale of alcohol through picketing and prayer outside saloons, leading to the formation of the Women's Christian Temperance Union and paving the way for the eventual adoption of Prohibition.

• 1894 Coxey's Army: A protest against economic hardship and unemployment during a depression, led by Jacob Coxey. 

20th Century

• 1913 Women's Suffrage Parade: An estimated 5,000–8,000 protesters marched in Washington, D.C., calling for women's suffrage. The demonstration brought attention to the movement and helped pave the way for the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920.

• 1932 Bonus Army March: Veterans and their families gathered in Washington, D.C., seeking early payment of bonuses during the Great Depression. Violent suppression of the protest led to public outrage.

• 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott: Triggered by Rosa Parks' arrest, the Black community of Montgomery, Alabama, boycotted the city bus system for over a year, forcing integration and catapulting Martin Luther King Jr. into a leadership role in the Civil Rights Movement.

• 1960 Greensboro Sit-ins: African American students protested racial segregation at a lunch counter in North Carolina, leading to similar demonstrations and the desegregation of some businesses.

• 1963 March on Washington: Over 200,000 protesters gathered for racial equality in Washington, D.C., highlighted by Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. This protest pressured the government to advance civil rights policies and contributed to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

• 1965 Selma to Montgomery March: Activists marched for Black voting rights, facing violence but eventually contributing to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

• 1969 Stonewall Inn Riots: This response to a police raid on a gay bar in New York City sparked the modern gay rights movement.

• 1970 Kent State University Anti-War Gathering: An anti-war rally on campus where Ohio National Guardsmen fired on protesters, killing four students. This incident triggered nationwide student strikes and fueled opposition to the Vietnam War.

• 1982 Anti-Nuclear Protest in Central Park: An estimated 1 million people gathered to protest nuclear weapons and advocate for disarmament.

• 1992 Los Angeles Rodney King Uprising: Violent protests and riots erupted after police officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King, a Black man.

• 1995 Million Man March: A large gathering of Black men in Washington, D.C., focused on unity, family values, and voting rights, leading to increased voter registration.

• 1997 Million Woman March: A similar event was organized by Black women in Philadelphia.

• 1999 Seattle World Trade Organization Protests: Demonstrations against globalization and wealth inequality. 

21st Century

• 2000 Million Mom March: A protest calling for stricter gun control regulations.

• 2003 Iraq War Protests: Hundreds of thousands demonstrated against the war in Iraq.

• 2011 Occupy Wall Street: Protests against economic inequality, drawing attention to the "99%".

• 2013 First Black Lives Matter Protests: Protests followed the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, marking the beginning of the Black Lives Matter movement.

• 2017 Women's March on Washington: A massive demonstration for women's rights and against the newly elected president.

• 2020 Black Lives Matter protests: Widespread demonstrations against police brutality and institutional racism after the killing of George Floyd. 

  
  

The significance of protest in American History

Protest movements have played a crucial role in shaping American society and policy. They have:

• Drawn attention to critical issues: Protests have raised awareness about various injustices and concerns, from slavery and discrimination to environmental issues and economic inequality.

• Inspired change: Many protests have directly or indirectly led to significant changes in legislation and policy, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

• Amplified marginalized voices: Protests have provided a platform for groups and individuals who might otherwise go unheard to voice their concerns and advocate for their rights.

• Promoted debate and dialogue: Protests often spark public discourse and debate about important social and political issues. 

Modern protest movements continue to utilize a combination of traditional methods and newer tactics, including online activism and social media engagement. Groups like Black Lives Matter and the #MeToo movement exemplify contemporary protest movements that seek social and political change.