Stand Up And Fight Back: Community Activism In Montana Protests

Last week, protests were held around Montana. Protesters gathered in Helena at the State Capitol. Missoula also saw protesters gather in front of the Missoula Courthouse to protest 'Project 2025'. A second protest took place on Saturday at the University of Montana.

Missoula's Saturday protest was organized by the group "Stand Up and Fight Back". According to their Instagram page, the group is:

A Missoula-led organization turning fear into action and community. Whatever comes our way we’ll stand up, fight back.

The protest started at around 1 p.m. with a reading of a poem in front of the University's Main Hall. After the poem, the protesters began marching and chanting around the Oval. The protest was peaceful from what I witnessed.

Not everyone was protesting exactly the same thing. There were a variety of signs present displaying different messages. Some expressed fear about the new presidential administration and the fear of the unknown. One underlying theme I noticed while I was there was a call for peace and unity by the majority of people who braved the cold weather and snow to have their voices heard.

This isn't the first time Missoula has seen protesters take to the streets or gather at the University of Montana. I don't think this will be the last time we see protests. One thing about the Missoula community is that they aren't shy about wanting their voices to be heard when it comes to political activism regardless of their position.

Driving around Missoula, you can see a variety of bumper stickers or flags supporting one side or the other. Having the freedom to express your ideas is on of the reasons I appreciate the community we live in.