Protesters gathered at the Indiana Statehouse Feb. 5 as part of the nationwide “50501 Movement.”
Hundreds of Hoosiers joined in the “50501 Movement,” a nationwide effort to hosts 50 protests in 50 states on one day against President Donald Trump, Project 2025 and billionaire Elon Musk, as reported by Newsweek.
As citizens gathered at Statehouses across the country, Indiana residents came together to march around the Indiana Statehouse, chanting things such as “This is what democracy looks like” and carrying signs calling to protect LBGTQ+ rights, protect immigrants and impeach Trump.
The Recorder spoke to two protestors, Kealey and Carson, who travelled from Fort Wayne just to participate in the nationwide movement.
“I’m happy that something’s finally happening, that we’re old enough that we can walk with the people that share the same ideas as us,” Kealey said.
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However, many of the protestors were not only protesting President Trump’s presidency, Project 2025 or Elon Musk’s involvement as an unelected official. It was about basic human rights, Carson said, and fighting for “access to health care, LGBTQIA protections, abolishing ICE” and “not living in a country where they can just change the rules without telling us.”
Despite the rain and cold weather, people continued to march around the statehouse as passersby cheered them on and cars honked in solidarity. They would “be out here all day,” a protester, who requested to be referred to only as “CM,” told the Recorder.
“It feels fantastic to know that I’m not alone,” CM said. “I’m protesting for women’s rights and immigrant freedoms and the freedoms for everyone who’s not a straight white man.”
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
