1,500 Protesters Form Human Chain Around Kennedy Center Over Trump's Arts Attacks
On September 18, approximately 1,500 participants from Hands Off the Arts gathered to create a human chain around the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, as part of the "Hands Around the Kennedy Center" protest. The event, led by drag performer Tara Hoot, featured speeches from co-founders Mallory Miller and Chris Raleigh, who voiced opposition to staff layoffs and criticized former President Trump’s proposed $257 million renovation. They called for a balanced approach to protect the cultural landmark. The demonstration was joined by notable personalities, including actress Lynda Carter, and concluded with a rendition of "This Little Light of Mine," symbolizing collective resilience.
Key facts
- Around 1,500 people formed a human chain around the Kennedy Center on 18 September.
- The protest was organized by Hands Off the Arts, founded last year by former Kennedy Center staff, artists, and union organizers.
- Hands Off the Arts opposes the layoffs of hundreds of workers and Trump's attempts to rename or close the center.
- Trump's proposed closure involves either a $257m renovation or total demolition.
- Speakers included co-founders Mallory Miller and Chris Raleigh, actor Lynda Carter, Representative Don Beyer, and Councilmember Robert C. White Jr.
- Protesters represented 42 states and seven countries, according to host Tara Hoot.
- The event featured performances by the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, the Rapid Response Choir, and the DC Activist Street Band.
- The rally was dubbed "Hands Around the Kennedy Center" and ended with the song "This Little Light of Mine".
Entities
Artists
- Tara Hoot
- Mallory Miller
- Chris Raleigh
- Lynda Carter
- Don Beyer
- Robert C. White Jr.
- Donald Trump
Institutions
- Hands Off the Arts
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Gay Men's Chorus of Washington
- Rapid Response Choir
- DC Activist Street Band
- The Art Newspaper
Locations
- Washington, DC
- United States
- Virginia
- Potomac River
- Mar-A-Lago