By Le Floridien Staff Writer
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the United States will witness one of the largest days of protest in recent history, as tens of thousands of Americans rally in over 600 cities across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The message is unified and urgent: “Hands off our rights, our services, and our future.”
The national grassroots coalition behind the movement, “Hands Off!”, is coordinating this National Day of Action to respond to what it calls a growing assault on the programs and freedoms that middle-class and working families depend on. The event marks the largest single day of political action since Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term as president.
A Rallying Cry Against Political Overreach
The upcoming mobilization takes direct aim at President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, whom organizers accuse of aggressively backing or enabling efforts to dismantle essential public services. Protesters will demand that both figures “keep their hands off” critical areas such as:
Healthcare – Social Security – Civil rights – Public education -Democratic freedoms.
“Everyday Americans are fed up with watching billionaires and political elites make decisions that hurt working families,” said one event organizer. “On April 5, we are showing up to say: enough is enough.”
Protests From Coast to Coast
The day’s events will include a mix of rallies, peaceful demonstrations, empty chair town halls, and digital campaigns. These actions are designed to highlight the real-world impacts of federal and corporate decisions on local communities, especially in areas where elected officials have avoided direct engagement with constituents.
According to the Crowd Counting Consortium, more than 2,085 protests occurred across the country in February 2025 alone, a significant surge compared to the 937 recorded in February 2017. Momentum is clearly building, and April 5 is expected to serve as a focal point for this renewed wave of civic engagement.
A Nonviolent, Coalition-Driven Movement
Founded on principles of nonviolence and de-escalation, the “Hands Off!” movement brings together a diverse coalition of partners, including labor unions, environmental groups, social justice advocates, and local community organizations. The coalition emphasizes peaceful resistance while confronting policies they view as undermining the democratic fabric of the nation.
“Hands Off!” urges participants to engage respectfully, even with those who may oppose their views. Their goal: to unite Americans around shared values of justice, equality, and access to opportunity.
Where Is the Haitian Representation?
Yet, among the hundreds of partner organizations listed on the official HandsOff2025 website, no local Haitian-led organizations appear to be involved. Notably absent is FANM (Family Action Network Movement), a well-respected advocacy group based in South Florida that has long championed immigrant rights, social justice, and women’s empowerment. The question arises: Were Haitian organizations like FANM simply not contacted, or have they opted not to engage in this effort?
This absence is significant, especially when one considers how deeply Haitian communities are impacted by the very policies under protest—from access to healthcare and education to immigration and civil rights protections. Participation in a national movement like “Hands Off!” could provide Haitian communities with a powerful platform to amplify their voices, build coalitions, and protect hard-earned rights. It also presents an opportunity to strengthen their political presence on a national scale, alongside other marginalized groups.
Why It Matters
The April 5 National Day of Action is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a coordinated national pushback against what many see as the erosion of hard-won rights and social protections. It is also a signal that grassroots organizing remains a vital force in American democracy.
As debates around Social Security, civil liberties, and corporate influence intensify, movements like “Hands Off!” are amplifying public voices and holding powerful figures accountable. From Miami to Seattle, from big cities to rural towns, the message is resounding: take your hands off our future.
To find a protest or event near you, visit: www.handsoff2025.com
