Protest march on Wall Street criticizes Trump over DEI policies and potential city takeovers.
On August 28, 2025, demonstrators gathered in New York City for the “March on Wall Street,” a rally aimed at calling attention to ongoing economic disparities and urging corporate America to oppose President Trump’s recent actions targeting diversity initiatives. The march, led by prominent activists such as Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III, sought to spotlight economic injustice while commemorating the 62nd anniversary of the historic March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his legendary “I Have a Dream” speech in front of 250,000 attendees.
Participants displayed signs emblazoned with messages such as “Stop Stealing Our Legacy,” asserting their commitment to preserving the legacy of civil rights. Speaking to the crowd, Sharpton emphasized the significance of holding the march in Wall Street rather than Washington this year, declaring that attempts to undermine progress in civil rights and economic equality would ultimately fail.
King III expressed both pride and disappointment regarding the current economic landscape, reflecting on the progress achieved since his father’s time while lamenting the persistent inequalities that plague society today. He underscored the importance of continuing the fight against economic injustice, stating that economic inequality remains a significant hurdle.
Central to the protesters’ grievances was President Trump’s campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, which has included proposed penalties for companies that embrace such initiatives. Additionally, the marchers criticized the administration’s actions in urban governance, particularly its threats to federalize police departments in cities led by Black mayors, a move they view as detrimental to community autonomy and oversight.
Sharpton warned that allowing Trump’s attacks on DEI to go unchecked could jeopardize the hard-fought freedoms of previous generations. He noted that engaging in marches and voicing dissent are crucial steps in safeguarding civil liberties.
The march included poignant stops, such as the African Burial Ground National Monument, which serves as a memorial to enslaved Africans, and 26 Federal Plaza, noted for its connection to immigration enforcement practices. Invited speakers at the event included several political figures, including mayoral candidates and the former governor, although only Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani addressed the crowd in person at the conclusion of the event.
Through this demonstration, activists aimed not only to amplify their messages about social justice but also to galvanize supporters for continued advocacy against economic inequality and political encroachment on Black communities across the nation. As the march concluded, the resolve among the participants reinforced the importance of advocacy in the face of daunting socio-political challenges.
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