President Trump's executive order on immigration has lead to protests around the world and country.
A gathering in downtown Appleton is calling for a united America, while condemning Trump's temporary travel ban for people from seven predominately Muslim countries, and his push for a border wall with Mexico.
The message protesters are bringing to Houdini Plaza along College Avenue is broad.
It ranges from concerns about immigration, to support for climate change awareness.
And organizers say that's OK. With protests across the country over several aspects of president trump's 20 executive actions since his inauguration, organizers wanted people in our region to have a voice, too.
"I'm hoping that.. our senators, our state representatives, even our city representatives.. see that we feel this way, that we're upset," says co-organizer Alyssa Borchardt, a Menasha native who converted to Islam at the age of 17, "because a lot of people.. get upset, but they don't do anything about it. They don't go, and talk with their senators, or their state representatives, or even.. their mayor."
And it seems to be working, with some protesters admitting this is their first time rallying.
Some say they couldn't stay silent any more.
"Well, I don't usually get involved with things like this," says Appleton native Patrick Casey, "and I had this on my wall at home--this sign about love, and not hate, and.. being open to all religions, no matter what it is, because I know that my relatives came here as immigrants."
Dozens of Lawrence University students marched from campus to Houdini Plaza to be a part of the event.
