Anti-Trump Rally in Royal Oak: 'Real Fight Begins When Trump is in Office,' Protester Says

ROYAL OAK, MI — Impassioned citizens descended upon the ordinarily serene streets of Royal Oak Friday evening protesting the election of Donald J. Trump as the nation's 45th president, joining tens of thousands of demonstrators across the country decrying fiery campaign rhetoric they worry will make it into the president-elect's formal policies.

Roughly 150 people (and several dogs) congregated at Oakland Community College, before marching and chanting their way through the city. A fleet of Royal Oak police vehicles followed in slow pursuit.

The rally was a response to a spontaneous incident Wednesday at Royal Oak Middle School cafeteria, where some students began chanting "build the wall," the chant often repeated at Trump's campaign rallies when he outlined plans to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to stop illegal immigration.

"I saw the video of the Royal Oak kids saying 'build the wall' and that is why I'm here protesting against this whole atmosphere of racism," Southfield resident Bob Day told Patch. "It's important to come out and stand in solidarity with immigrants and people who have their rights threatened by Trump. He has unleashed a racist reaction in this country. The new Fascists wear coats and ties. The Democrats won't fight it. The Republicans won't fight it. We have to fight it."

And it's going to be a dogfight judging by the boiling emotions of the fired up crowd enthusiastically waving "Dump Trump" signs and shouting their disdain for Trump.

Former Hillary for America volunteer Steven Delgaizo, of Madison Heights, told Patch "the real fight begins when Trump is in office."

"Every piece of legislation he puts through that I don't agree with, I'll call my congressman and get the community involved to protest it," said Delgaizo, who added that he joined the protest because it's an actual action.

"You see so many people posting on social media but we need action. Words can only do so much. Trump threatens social issues and the LGBT community, which I'm involved in. This inspired me to do something," he said, standing before the simmering crowd.

Another protester from Warren, who declined to give his name, said his beef with Trump is his lack of respect for women.

"The things he says about women," he said, his voice trailed off as he shook his head. "If you don't respect women, what do you respect?"

Friday's rally was organized via a Facebook event titled "Stop Trump Royal Oak." After the Royal Oak demonstration, the protestors planned to head to the Detroit office of BAMN, The Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration, and Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary (BAMN).

Photo and video by Mera McKenna/Patch