It started as two, and then it grew. What grew, you ask?
The protest on the 12th Street pedestrian overpass at Newport.
Started by Jolene Strom and Annie Elmer last October, the protest has since grown to a dozen people, meeting on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. to make their voices heard. Signs including “Liberty, not Tyranny,” “Defend the Constitution,” “Save Our Democracy,” “ICE OUT,”and “Healthcare not Wealthcare” were among those on display at the protest, which drew honking from traffic below.
Strom shared more on how it all got started.
“Annie Elmer and I started the group back in October 2025,” she said. “Volunteering is in Annie's nature and she asked if I what I thought of a bridge brigade. I think my response was "I'm in!"
After juggling some start dates...we were off to the races
“We have others who were with us in the beginning, they drifted in and out. but now we are gathering some steam. Some see us on our Wednesday Brigade and just come back after they go home, dress warmer and grab a sign.
We have had a great deal of wonderful energy with our people.
“One of the ladies signed us up with the 50501 group. (50 states, 50 Capitols, 1 Movement) and we got a few more people from that and mention at the different area Caucuses last Tuesday brought new faces again.
“We meet up every Wednesday between 3:30pm. You don't have to register. Just show up with your signs and banners. Dress warm...the wind is brutal some days.
“Annie and I are also recently involved with the SWC Unity group. You will find them at the corner of 80th and Pt Douglas on Fridays at 3:30-5pm and again on Sunday around 2pm to 4pm I believe. I have not been to a Sunday protest yet, but have seen them. (On the corner by Chipotle and Noodles)
“You asked why we do this and it is because our current administration through Pres. Trump has been systematically breaking down our government, essentially trashing our constitution and our lives. Destroying relationships with our Allies that will leave us vulnerable to anyone who wants to come in and destroy us.
“Spending and stealing our tax dollars at a rate never even heard of and not for us, not for the good of the citizens or our infrastructure, but to share it with billionaires by handing them all the government contracts and also giving them ridiculous tax breaks.
Sending in the fascist and racist ICE workers to brutalize and kidnap people. The remarks that they were only taking the worst of the worst, murderers, rapists and gang members is so absurd as they sit outside Park High School and pull over underage kids of color. Of course the same goes for Little Liam with his bunny hat. The rampant escalation that led to the MURDERS of several people should put everyone on the street to protest against this horror show.
“We have never wanted to live in a fascist country, the rules don't seem to apply to DJT and the unskilled cabinet that he hired on the promise of loyalty to all things, legal or not.”