UCSB students hold anti-Trump rally

A large crowd gathered at UCSB’s Storke Tower to voice concern, sadness and dismay about the outcome of the presidential election.

“I’m deeply frustrated by what happened and I’m still trying to figure out what it means for the next two to four years,” student Matthew McPherson said.

The rally was hosted by the Santa Barbara Student Activist Network. Students tell us it followed a large gathering in the wee hours of the morning after the election Tuesday.

I think this is a really good turnout, I wish it were bigger but I think it light of the current events everyone is healing in their own process,” Ernesto Pina said. “I think this place is really good for the people who are able to speak about it.”

“We slept with a very heavy heart. I think a lot of us wanted that hope, but we didn’t get it,” said 4th year Black Studies and Feminism Major Bridget Kyeremateng.

She said she came to speak out on behalf of African Americans, women, undocumented people and the LBGT community.

“There are so many people I think this man won’t protect so I needed to make that aware at this time here,” Kyeremateng said.

She feels the country has taken a step backwards, but came out to advocate for those she feels won’t have a voice under a President Trump.

“As a black person the first thing you see is that I’m black and I am sometimes afraid to walk around both on this campus and parts of America, so I wear this shirt proudly even though I know some people don’t believe in it because my body matters, my skin matters, my gender matters, where I come from matters,” she said.

We do want to mention our journalist on the scene of that rally was pushed and shoved by as many as 8 people. Fortunately there were no injuries, but our camera had some minor damage.

Our management called UC police who quickly responded, but no arrests were made.