A Guide To The Mass Of Protests & Actions On Inauguration Weekend

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jan 17, 2017 3:20PM



Photo: Tyler LaRiviere



Soon it becomes official. Donald Trump will be sworn as the 45th president of the United States on Friday. When he assumes the office, he’ll be the least popular incoming Commander in Chief in nearly four decades—a fact clearly borne out locally by the ever-expanding list of protests, demonstrations, walkouts, fundraiser performances and workshops that organizers are launching this weekend in Chicago. There are of course the major, highly publicized actions—massive protests at Daley Plaza and Trump Tower on Inauguration Day, the potentially historic Women’s March on Chicago—but there’s a cavalcade of other options for anyone looking to rally their anxiety into action.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19

CTU Protect & Defend Our Students, Schools & Communities

Various times and locations

"Public schools, immigrants, people of color and others in our communities face new national threats on top of the challenges we already face locally. On Jan. 19, educators, parents and students will unite in a national day of action at schools across the country. In Chicago, schools will choose an action to demonstrate their unity and demand: make all Chicago Public Schools Sanctuary Schools; pass a Millionaires Tax to increase K-12 Public School Funding; fund our public universities: end tax breaks for hedge fund billionaires; say NO to Betsy DeVos, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Education; create a democratically Elected School Boards i Chicago and all Illinois districts.

The Ghostlight Project

Various theater locations, including Victory Gardens, Goodman Theater, Steppenwolf and others.

5:30 p.m.

"We will gather outside of theaters to create a "light" for dark times ahead, and to make, or renew, a pledge to stand for and protect the values of inclusion, participation and compassion for everyone regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, age, gender identity or sexual orientation."



FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

A Day Without Immigrants

Rudy Lozano Chicago Public Library (1805 S Loomis St)

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"If Trump does not like immigrants, we are going to grant him his wish. On Jan. 20, we don't work, our kids don't go to school, we don't shop. Let's show him how a country without immigrants looks like. Make plans to miss work and school, and let merchants know. 10 a.m.: Rudy Lozano Library (Teach-In, Know Your Rights); 12 p.m.: Rudy Lozano Library (Teach-In, Know Your Rights); 2:30 p.m.: Dorothy Day Mission Church (Teach-In, Know Your Rights); 4 p.m.: Rally at Daley Plaza

UIC: Walkout & Rally On Inauguration Day

UIC Quad (Southwest of West Harrison and South Halsted streets.)

10:40 a.m.

"Oppose Trump's racism, bigotry, sexism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, and hate. UIC is one of the most diverse campuses in the country; we must stand up and stand in solidarity with those under attack due to Trump's fear mongering. This is a student-led event dedicated to bringing together a large group of people regardless of race, gender, religion, sexuality, political affiliation, etc. to unite against Donald Trump's presidency. We will walk out of our classrooms and workplaces and stand together in the UIC quad."

Inauguration Day People's Assembly

Grace Episcopal Church (637 S. Dearborn St.)

1 to 5 p.m

"Sickout at work? Walkout from school? Ready to fight back? Join United Working Families on Inauguration Day! We're meeting in downtown Chicago on Friday afternoon for workshops, community-building, and strategy-sharing before we join the massive protests at Trump Tower."

Resist Trump: Occupy Inauguration Chicago

Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St.)

"Donald Trump and the reactionary core of the Republican Party are coming to power in 2017 on a platform of racism, sexism, xenophobia, and pro-corporate policies. We must build a independent, working-class mass movement that vows to use every ounce of our collective body and spirit to stand against Trump's reactionary agenda from Day 1. Mass protests have been an indispensable part of every progressive struggle in history, from winning the eight-hour day to smashing Jim Crow."

Art Against Hate: Inauguration Night

Quenchers Saloon (2401 N. Western Ave.)

9 p.m.

Swearwords / River Jordan / Bryan Douglas / Beauty School

"mPshows.com presents Art Against Hate Inauguration Night! Proceeds go to support ACLU and Black Lives Matter Chicago."

Beyond Trump: A Benefit Fest For Howard Brown Health Clinic

Hairpin Arts Center (2810 N Milwaukee Ave)

5 p.m.

"Trump Inauguration Protest/partial benefit for the Howard Brown Health Clinic. Enjoy music. Enjoy subversive activity. Food by Kriss Stress Aiko Leon and Soul Vegetarian"

The Anti-Inauguration Chicago Livestream Watch Party

In These Times

2040 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60647

5 to 9 p.m.

"Can't make it to DC for the Anti-Inauguration event sponsored by Haymarket Books, Jacobin Magazine, and Verso Books? Fear not! You can come watch the Livestream and join us for Unhappy Hour at the In These Times offices here in Chicago. Featuring FREE drinks and FREE snacks from 5 to 7 p.m. Why Trump won, what he'll do, and how we can fight him. With Naomi Klein, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, Anand Gopal and Owen Jones."

Trump Tower Inauguration Day Protest

Trump Tower (401 N. Wabash Ave.)

5 p.m. to midnight

"This is a peaceful, non-violent demonstration showing discontent toward the rhetoric that won the president elect the election and continues to empower similar rhetoric and skewed thinking within groups of hateful people. This is meant to voice opposition to hate, and also voice support to the groups of people who will most need it in this time of uncertainty."

Artists Against Hate: Inauguration Protest Show

Uptown Underground (4707 N. Broadway St.)

7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

"Over two dozen of Chicago's finest circus performers, musicians, dancers, magicians, visual artists, firespinners, and more join forces to fight Trump with art. Rhetoric vilifying POC, immigrants, LGBTQ+, Muslims, people with disabilities and women hurts us all. We refuse to allow hate to win."

What A Joke: A National Comedy Festival

The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia Ave.)

9 p.m.

"In response to our President-elect’s repeated threats on our human rights, comedians and producers in over 25 cities are coordinating shows to raise money for the ACLU on Inauguration Day Weekend. Expect a night full of Chicago's top comedians performing, with amazing silent auction raffle items donated by generous vendors available to further benefit the ACLU. What A Joke: Chicago is produced by Liz Maupin and Meredith Kachel. Lineup: Kristen Toomey, Matty Ryan, Sammy Arechar, Calvin Evans, Brandi Denise and Ghouldini."



SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

Labor Women Rally En Route to the March on Chicago

Congress Room, 2nd Floor, Roosevelt University (430 S. Michigan Ave.)

9 a.m.

"Labor women and their supporters will gather at 9 a.m. Saturday in the Congress Room at Roosevelt University to lend their voices to the Women’s March on Chicago just before its kickoff. Representatives from SEIU Healthcare Illinois, the Amalgamated Transit Union, AFSCME Council 31, Workers United and other groups are set to rally a crowd of hundreds that will join the march program at Columbus and Jackson. Republican legislatures and executives across the Midwest, in Springfield and in Washington have attacked female-dominated unions without regard to the harm these attacks will do to families, jobs and services for women."

Women's March On Chicago

East Jackson Drive and South Columbus Drive.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"Help us send the new administration a message that women and our supporters will CONNECT, PROTECT, and ACTIVATE for women’s rights, civil liberties, and diverse issues. Women’s March on Chicago amplifies and honors other women’s marches also held Jan. 21 around the world and across our nation."

The DOJ Investigation in Chicago: A Teach In

Northwestern Law (375 E. Chicago Ave.)

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"Most of us have little knowledge and experience with DOJ involvement in our police departments so a number of questions are raised: What does this mean? What exactly is and is not binding for the City of Chicago? Will anything change? Will charges be filed against CPD and the City of Chicago? Will victims and communities receive restitution? Have there been examples of such investigations that have led to significant reforms of police departments? Does this investigation make any difference? Is Mayor Emanuel, IPRA/COPA included in the investigation and bound to make any changes? Professor Sheila A. Bedi of Northwestern Law School facilitates a teach-in on DOJ police investigations and the impact of the findings."

Defend Planned Parenthood Fundraiser

Red Line Tap (7006 N. Glenwood Ave.)

8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

"With the inauguration of 2017 now upon us, our attention is focused towards the application of policies and actions from the new presidential regime that we have fought against since the being of the election season. One of the leading concerns being the defunding of well-known community educators, reproductive health advocates, and one of the leading organizations heading global health care, Planned Parenthood. Join us for a night of great local music to help take action... Combined portions of proceeds from the bar and admission, as well as cash donations that will be taken by the Planned Parenthood representative joining us for the night. Lineup: Menacerno / Modern Advances / Hymen Moments / Lever / And special DJ guest spot from the lovely Ms. Alex White."