“With unity comes strength,” hundreds of Holland residents chanted Saturday afternoon as they gathered to support each other in the face of Trump administration policies they say are dividing communities.
The Unity Demonstration and March, organized by I AM Academy, brought together people of all ages and backgrounds to promote justice and solidarity.
Marchers walked more than a mile across the Unity Bridge, connecting Holland to Holland Township, before concluding at Centennial Park. In front of the park and Park Theatre, participants held signs reading "Resist Hate," "Love Your Neighbor –- No Exceptions," and "Jesus Was The OG DEI Guy," while waving rainbow flags and chanting. Many passing drivers honked in support.
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Photo by Shandra MartinezCo-founder of I AM Academy Lindsay Cherry, right, and her sister Lauren Beck helped to organize a unity march this week in Holland.
Lindsay Cherry, co-founder of I AM Academy, said the event was a response to Trump Administration policies targeting the Department of Education, DEI, and immigrants. She emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity.
"I'm sure we'll have to do more," Cherry said. "We are trying to show our community, and even the nation, that we are here together. As the weather warms up, I think more people will come out. There will be more of this until those in power start listening to the people they serve and meet our needs."
‘Stand for what we believe’
She also stressed the importance of caring for one another.
"We're supposed to love, support, and be there for our neighbors. The policies dismantling protections for our neighbors are not showing kindness or support at all. We came together to bring unity to the forefront and stand for what we believe in, recognizing and celebrating our differences."
Cherry’s sister, Lauren Beck, also a leader with I AM Academy, said the diversity of the crowd reflected the true spirit of Holland.
"Holland is often viewed as a very straight-and-narrow city, but it has the most beautiful diversity," Beck said. "If you truly engage with our community, you'll find people from all backgrounds and experiences coming together to create a greater presence of love and support."
Cherry said her children’s future is a key motivation for her activism. She worries about how policy changes will impact their dreams, underscoring the importance of events like this.
High school students who spoke at the demonstration shared concerns about how the current political climate could shape their futures. They expressed hope that the community’s unity would inspire meaningful change.
I AM Academy plans to host more such events, continuing its mission to build unity and advocate for equitable policies.
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Photo by Shandra MartinezA unity march in Holland Saturday was a response to Trump Administration policies targeting the Department of Education, DEI, and immigrants.
The Unity Demonstration was organized in collaboration with several community organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, CultureWorks, Upward Bound TRIO, Out On The Lakeshore, Maple Avenue Ministries, Third Reformed Church, Bluestocking Bookshop, and the Justice and Reconciliation Ministry at Hope Church.
"This demonstration is not just about marching," Cherry said. "It's about celebrating the strength of our community, standing up for justice, and creating space for love and solidarity. We are stronger together."
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