Every Monday morning, an increasing number of protesters gather on the highway overpass at the top of Lincoln Avenue. They participate in purposeful resistance towards the current administration, contributing to an organized nationwide effort.
“It’s just a really nice way to remind people about what is going on, and that they should resist and become more active if they aren’t happy about things,” said Mary Stallard, a participant since the movement started.
The Visibility Brigade, a national campaign, aims to encourage neighbors to recognize the national crisis, take simple actions, and support pro-democracy candidates. The effort sprouted in New Jersey in 2020, and the movement now has chapters in almost all 50 states.
The Oakland chapter, Indivisible East Bay, was founded in 2017 to protect democracy and support progressive legislation. From overpass visibility brigades to rallies and vigils to protests outside of Tesla, there is an event almost every day, spanning various parts of Oakland. The first brigade in Oakland started in February of last year over Highway 580, but there are now various brigades throughout the city.
“With the current administration, we really needed to get out and be visible,” said Stallard.
After a pop-up demonstration took place over Highway 13 in honor of John Lewis–prominant civil rights leader and activist–an Oakland resident who chose to be identified as Jenny started a consistent protest in October of last year on the same overpass. The effort is formally named Start Your Week Off Getting in Good Trouble, an ode to Lewis’s famous quote.
Although they only had six or eight participants initially, according to Stallard, the turnout has now increased significantly to around 20 protesters every Monday. As more people see them each Monday, it’s encouraging them to join the effort, Jenny explained. “People are starting to wake up to see what is going on in our country, and this is a good way to be visible,” Jenny said. “It’s a way to build community.”
Stallard explains how the demographic of demonstrators has shifted over time, as originally the group consisted mostly of older or middle-aged women. “It’s starting to get a little more diverse, the people out here,” she said.
“It’s the lies that are being perpetrated, and I think that’s getting more people to act and react,” said Katie Kirk, a protester from Richmond. “People are now seeing the truth; they are now seeing what is going on.”
There’s no one message; these protesters simply look to carry on the mission of the Visibility Brigade, adapting to the evolving political climate and spreading awareness of recent developments. “Today was supposed to be a climate message for climate week, then Alex Pretti was murdered, and we changed it,” said Jenny. On Monday, January 26th, the protesters mostly carried signs with anti-ICE and pro-democracy messaging. However, they have been talking about immigration and immigrant rights since the beginning, according to Stallard.
“Social media has really put the finger on the pulse of community,” said Kirk when explaining the local relevance. “How would we feel if what happened in Minneapolis happened here?”
As the group continues to gain traction and attract more protesters, Jenny encourages students to get involved.
“The future is yours, so y’all need to show up,” she said.