Peace activists, identified as Quakers, stage a demonstration in protest against President Trump's hardline immigration policies, upholding their historic commitment to civil disobedience and promoting human rights.
Fiery Quakers Take Their Activism to the Streets
Straight-talkin' Quakers are on a 300-mile journey from the Big Apple to our nation's capital to stick it to the Trump administration's tough stance on immigrants. This ain't their first rodeo, as the peace-lovin' bunch have a rich history of protestin' and standin' up for what's right.
Their March
These Quakers are stretchin' tradition as they hustle south from Flushin', New York, leftin' footprints in New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsyltucky before they reach their final stomping ground - the U.S. Capitol. Their ultimate goal? Deliver a copy of the "Flushing Remonstrance," a 17th-century doc that stands for religious freedom and opposes bans on Quaker worship.
These kinda values ain't just about yesterday, they're relevant today, as plain folks march for the principle that "all are welcome." In a nutshell, they ain't havin' none of Trump's immigrant crackdown.
A Long, Proud Tradition
Founded in 17th century England, the Religious Society of Friends, most famously known as the Quakers, came to be when George Fox kicked against Anglican ceremony. He had himself a spiritual awakenin' and developed a personal relationship with Christ, which he called the Inner Light. Fox believed this emancipated a person from followin' any creed, authority, or religious rituals.
Fox's rebellion against the established church landed him in court, and he was labeled a "quaker" by a judge who frowned on his agitation over religious matters.
'Sam the Quakers for the Abolition of Slavery, support of women's suffrage, and opposition to both World Wars, the U.S. role in the wars in Vietnam and Afghanistan, and the World Trade Organization in Seattle, they took to the streets once again to join the Black Lives Matter protests after the 2020 whackin' of George Floyd**.
'Nuff said, the Quakers have had "actions speakin' out against authority" in their DNA since America was just a twinkle in Uncle Sam's eye.
The Meeting House Gathering
A basic unit of Quaker organization is the weekly meeting, which corresponds to a congregation in other churches. Quakers gather for silent worship in meeting houses, waitin' patiently for a message from God to move through 'em until they start spoutin' off.
When Brubeck and his crew reached the heart of Princeton, they were greeted by local Quakers, who commended them for their efforts and guided them to their meeting house. Blistered feet be damned, they rested on wooden pews and prayed in silence, holdin' hands in a circle, gatherin' strength for the next part of their long trek.
"I was moved by the presence of these folks who've been truckin' for miles, just like us," said Casey Oware, a member of the local Quaker group. "It gave me a sense of connection, seein' that we're fightin' for the same thing."
Marae McGhee, a retired teacher and member of the local Quaker group, echoed the sentiment. "It's a desperate time, and I think a lot of people feel helpless. But these folks are showin' us that somethin' can be done. They're puttin' their feet and their energy behind it."
Quaker Beliefs and Legal Ramblin'
Quaker practices and beliefs vary from Bible-centered Christianity with pastors leadin' worship to a more liberal approach with less structured worship and a wide range of teachings. One of the most well-known Quakers was William Penn, who founded Pennsylvania following the faith's emphasis on religious tolerance; the group became influential in cities like Philadelphia.
But these peace-lovin' Quakers faced scorn for refusin' to join wars due to their beliefs in pacifism and nonviolence. Many were persecuted and even killed for tryin' to spread their religious beliefs.
Earlier this year, five Quaker congregations filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for allowin' immigration agents to make arrests in churches and other houses of worship. This action was part of a broader movement that included other religious groups.
A federal judge ruled against the lawsuit, but the Quakers haven't given up. They're demandin' justice and peace for immigrants, and they ain't backin' down. They're marchin', they're organizin', and they're fightin' for what they believe in. And watch out, Donald Trump, 'cause they're comin' for ya.
- In 2025, straight-talkin' Quakers will be marching from Toronto's streets to the U.S. court, delivering a copy of the "Flushing Remonstrance" to oppose any repressive laws against religious freedom.
- Quakers are recognized for their long-standing history of resistance, having taken part in the abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, and protests against World Wars, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and the World Trade Organization.
- After the George Floyd tragedy, Quakers joined the Black Lives Matter protests, continuing their tradition of standing up against authority and injustice.
- Quaker meetings serve as weekly gatherings for silent worship and spiritual communion, as demonstrated by the journeying Quakers who learned of local Quaker communities in Princeton.
- Quaker beliefs have been met with persecution throughout history, including resistance to military conscription due to their commitment to pacifism and nonviolence.
- In 2021, five Quaker congregations sued the Trump administration over immigration agents making arrests in churches and houses of worship, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to religious freedom and justice.
- Despite facing setbacks, such as the judge's ruling against their lawsuit, these Quakers will continue to march, organize, and fight for their beliefs, making their voices heard in general news and politics.
