Marina
Topeka, Kansas — On May 1, 2025, the south lawn of the Kansas State Capitol transformed into a scene of activism, as roughly 300 people gathered for a May Day rally opposing President Donald Trump’s second-term policies.
Organized by grassroots political group 50501, the protest was part of International Workers’ Day, a global event dedicated to labor solidarity and social justice.
Amid colorful and defiant signs ranging from anti-Trump to pro-democracy and pro-Ukraine, attendees shared personal stories and demands for a more inclusive American dream.
The rally highlighted frustrations with the current administration’s stance on worker rights, union protections, and civil liberties.
Voices from the Ground: Personal Stories of Resistance
Among the speakers was 22-year-old Maranda Kealy, a U.S. Postal Service worker from Harveyville. Holding a sign reading “Dude: This is so not the American dream,” Kealy emphasized that freedom, equality, and opportunity—values promised to every American—have become privileges reserved for a few.
“We were promised life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” said Kealy, “but this administration has taken that to mean for some people, not all.”
Kealy, who identifies as LGBTQ+, added that both her employment and identity motivated her to attend the protest.
Speakers Call Out Policy Failures and Anti-Union Actions
The event drew several notable speakers, including:
- Sen. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park
- Daniel Scharpenburg, VP of Chapter 66, National Treasury Employees Union
- Rev. Nori Rost, Unitarian Universalist minister and activist
Scharpenburg highlighted looming threats to IRS jobs in Kansas City, stating that the Trump administration’s anti-union strategies show they “fear the power of working people.”
Senator Holscher criticized the administration’s failure to fulfill promises, especially on grocery price reductions, noting that Kansas Republican legislators are steering the state toward past financial instability, similar to the Brownback era deficits.
Symbolism and Statements: The Protest’s Visual Impact
The protest was visually striking. American flags, both right-side-up and upside-down, mingled with signs opposing Trump, Elon Musk, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Some demonstrators wore themed attire to symbolize their distress.
Tina Hallenbeck, celebrating her 58th birthday, donned the red robe from The Handmaid’s Tale, drawing parallels between the dystopian fiction and her concerns over women’s rights.
“It’s my birthday and this is how I’m spending it,” Hallenbeck said. “We must remain vigilant.”
First-Time Protesters Join the Movement
One of the rally’s more poignant stories came from Army veteran David Beck, 61, who traveled 90 miles from southeast Kansas. Attending his first protest, Beck expressed deep concern for the country’s direction.
“Everything is at stake,” Beck said. “What hasn’t he harmed?”
Key Highlights of the May Day Rally at Kansas Capitol
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Event | May 1, 2025 – International Workers’ Day Rally |
| Location | Kansas State Capitol, Topeka |
| Estimated Attendance | Around 300 |
| Organizer | Political grassroots group 50501 |
| Key Speakers | Sen. Cindy Holscher, Daniel Scharpenburg, Rev. Nori Rost |
| Main Issues Raised | Union busting, public education cuts, Trump’s broken promises |
| Symbolic Gestures | Handmaid’s Tale costume, upside-down U.S. flags, themed protest signs |
| Notable Protesters | LGBTQ+ advocate Maranda Kealy, veteran David Beck, activist Tina Hallenbeck |
The May Day protest at the Kansas Capitol was more than a symbolic gathering—it was a powerful demonstration of collective concern over the direction of the United States under Trump’s renewed leadership.
From union representatives to first-time protesters, attendees expressed deep frustration over perceived rollbacks in democratic freedoms, worker protections, and civil rights.
While smaller in size than past events, the rally’s emotional intensity and diverse participation underlined one clear message: activism and solidarity remain critical tools in confronting what many view as an increasingly regressive political era.