Appleton, WI – On March 28, over 3000 people took to the streets in outrage at the Trump administration. The crowd gathered at Houdini Plaza, a central location downtown.

One speaker from the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Tanner Ziebell, stated “This is an empire in decline, and we will continue to see crimes like these happen on an increasingly severe scale until it is brought to the ground! We can confidently assume that attacks on the people of this world will continue. We can also hold our heads high, knowing that it's a fight we aren't scared to take up, knowing that's exactly what we're going to do, and that this country will be made ungovernable until we win!”

Daisy Sinclair from Hate Free Outagamie reminded the community that “Hate Free Outagamie is committed to the fight for trans rights, committed to fighting for a trans sanctuary in Outagamie to protect our rights. We are not ceding ground to Trump’s hatred and attacks on any group of people, and will fight to ensure it stays that way!”

Members of the community took to the streets, occupying both lanes of traffic for blocks. As they marched, deafening chants demanding no war, an end to deportations, and fighting back shook the city.

The event was organized by the Outagamie County Democratic Party, Hate Free Outagamie, Appleton Area NOW, Northeast Wisconsin Democratic Socialists of America, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Wisconsin Resist, and others.

The organizers expressed intention to work together in the future and continue to build a strong front against the Trump administration in the coming years.

#AppletonWI #WI #PeoplesStruggles #Trump #ImmigrantRights

Appleton, WI – On Friday, January 9, over 300 people flooded the streets of downtown Appleton for a vigil and rally to demand justice for Renee Good and an end to ICE raids across the country. This somber event came in response to the murder of Renee Nicole Good at the hands of ICE agent Jonathon Ross, just two days ago.

The event was co-sponsored by Hate Free Outagamie, NE Wisconsin Democratic Socialists of America, Indivisible, ESTHER (Empowerment Solidarity Truth Hope Equity Reform) and more.

ESTHER Fox Valley’s Immigration Task Force spoke about the importance of meeting the moment to protect our communities. In her speech remembering Renee Good, one member addressed the crowd, “May you be the force keeping forward in the quest for justice, safety, and no community violence. May you be the inspiration for all of us to stay strong and not give up. May we continue the fight.”

As a rally ensued, chants from the crowd included “ICE has got to go!” and “No justice! No peace! No ICE in our streets!”

When asked about the motivation for this action, Hate Free Outagamie member Tanner Ziebel stated, “We're not going to sit back and watch as our family members, our friends, our neighbors are being snatched by masked agents.” Ziebell continued, pointing out the coalition of organizations present “for all these folks to come out to coexist, mourn and show solidarity with those all across the country, we are building something powerful here, something able to resist whatever may come to the valley.”

In her closing call to action Hate Free Outagamie member, Rev. Hannah Roberts Villnave spoke of this attack as one of many committed by the ruling class, “We are here tonight to remember not only Renee Nicole Brown, shot in cold blood in the face by a gun of the American government, but for everyone who has paid the price for American greed and white supremacy.”

The large and rapid response to this event was inspiring for many in attendance and the revolutionary fervor could be felt.

Additional actions have been held each night in the region, and another anti-ICE protest will take place in Appleton this Sunday, January 11. We look forward to following the developments of the anti-Trump movement in the Fox Valley in the coming months.

#AppletonWI #WI #ImmigrantRights #ReneeGood

Appleton, WI – On October 18, about 7500 people gathered in Appleton, for this town’s No Kings protest. It was a humid Saturday for northeast Wisconsin’s fall; crowds gathered for a mile along College Avenue, the business district’s main thoroughfare, and filled Houdini Plaza, protesting against Donald Trump, and particularly immigration enforcement and the thuggery of the reactionary state.

Estimates of attendance varied, and as the day went on the number present grew and grew. Several of the organizers remarked that it was the largest protest in the Fox Valley metro area’s history, and for some it was the most people they had ever seen gathered in one place for any occasion in the area.

From the many signs it was obvious the people of the area are fed up with the government failures, atrocities committed by ICE, and an economy that does not function for working families.

Organizations leading the event were Hate Free Outagamie, NOW Appleton, Indivisible, Forward Fox Valley, and the Democratic Party of Outagamie County. Mary Bogen, chair of Hate Free Outagamie said, “The establishment has failed us. It's up to the community to save each other and fight for a better world. That's not a protest; that's a promise we make to each other.”

The thousands who attended were in high spirits. They were of many age groups, from high school students to seniors and all in between. Several dozen people wore inflatable Halloween costumes, recalling the Portland, Oregon protestor who went viral on social media after being pepper sprayed wearing such a costume.

Protests in towns large and small have ramped up in frequency and intensity in the last year. Very clearly the masses are looking for a change and are waking up to the power they have when they work as a united collective.

#AppletonWI #WI #PeoplesStruggles #ImmigrantRights #Trump

Appleton, WI – Over 75 community members gathered at Houdini Plaza on Saturday, October 4, for a protest marking two years of genocide in Gaza.

The action was hosted by Green Bay Anti-War Committee, Hate Free Outagamie, Green Bay Students for a Democratic Society, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization, in response to a nationwide call to action from the Anti-War Action Network.

Hate Free Outagamie’s speaker Mitch Erickson told the crowd, “Our presence here, on this grim anniversary, proves one thing: the goal of genocide and total erasure has failed, and they will continue to fail! Palestine still lives, the resistance still breathes, here, there, and everywhere!”

As people drove by, showing support by honking and waving, the UW-Green Bay SDS speaker remarked, “The Palestinian people's struggle has lit the world ablaze with a revolutionary spirit.”

After these speeches, protesters lined the sidewalks with Palestinian flags and signs while chanting for over an hour. Tanner Ziebell, of FRSO stated, “The clock is ticking for these entities, this system is dying! And as we get organized, we are increasingly capable of building something seriously revolutionary in this country, of driving the final dagger into the core of this sinister machine. The people will make these oppressive countries ungovernable, not only in Palestine, but across the entire world, including right here in the heart of it all!”

Ziebell continued, “Aid boats, strikes, protests all over the globe – working people of the world see themselves in Palestinian liberation! We recognize that the chains binding their freedom are the same ones that bind us here, and in all countries under capitalist rule.”

All of the organizations participating in this event have stood in solidarity for Palestine over the past two years. They have co-hosted events with each other including a Nakba day march, a vigil in October 2024, banner drops, and many other actions.

#AppletonWI #WI #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #GreenBayAWC #HateFreeOutagamie #SDS #AWAN

Appleton, WI – On September 14, several dozen people gathered at Appleton’s Houdini Plaza in a demonstration denouncing Trump, ICE and the invasion of our cities, including the deployment of the military in Los Angeles, the National Guard in Washington DC, and the proposed deployment of the national guard to Chicago.

The protest was organized by Hate Free Outagamie, Diverse and Resilient, and the Appleton chapter of the National Organization of Women.

Mary Bogan of Hate Free Outagamie told the crowd, “You don’t need to be a certain type of person to fight for justice. You don’t need to be queer to fight for queer rights. You don’t need to be an immigrant to fight ICE. You don’t need to be Palestinian to demand freedom for Palestine. Our struggles are intersecting. Our liberation is bound together.”

Protest organizer Brent Lantagne said, “This past Sunday, community members and organizers alike gathered to denounce the Trump regime’s cruel and inhumane actions and stand in solidarity with Chicago. We will not be silent and we will not back down.”

The demonstrators received a positive reception from passing drivers, who honked their horns, waved and gave thumbs-up. Some attendees had stated they were in town from other states, and they joined the protest because they are angry about the situation.

Activism that organizes outcry into a single voice like this is effective; Trump has announced that he would not be deploying the National Guard to Chicago. Trump and his cronies are on the back foot not nine months into his second term, faced with the united opposition of the people.

#AppletonWI #WI #PeoplesStruggles #InJusticeSystem #NationalGuard #Trump

Appleton WI – On July 26, in a protest against ICE and the Trump administration, simultaneous banner drops took place across northeast Wisconsin, including several locations in Appleton, as well as Green Bay, Neenah, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac.

The coalition organizing the event included, Hate Free Outagamie, the Appleton Area chapter of the National Organization for Women, Fond du Lac Indivisible, Indivisible Winnebago, Indivisible Brown County, Forward Fox Valley, Peaceful Patriots and many community members.

In Appleton, activists pushed plastic drinking cups into the chain link fence on a pedestrian bridge over Highway 41 near Fox Valley Technical College, spelling out “Deport ICE”. Within minutes of the cups going up, local police arrived to take the cups down. Subsequent action that day in Appleton involved a number of people holding banners displaying anti-ICE and pro-immigrant rights slogans on a different pedestrian walkway, gaining a strong positive response from drivers on the highway below.

Action organizer Brent Lantagne stated, “This past Saturday we teamed up with local organizers to sprawl out and cover the highway overpasses in our communities. We all gathered with a common goal: to show the most vulnerable members of our community that we stand with them and are committed to the true American Dream. An America where we all are equal and protected under the law, not just the lucky few.”

“From all the honking, It makes me feel very hopeful for the Valley. It was worth all the noise!” said organizer Nicole Kappell.

ICE activity has heightened in the Fox Valley in recent months. In May the sheriff departments of Outagamie, Brown, Fond du Lac and Winnebago counties signed memorandums of agreement with immigration enforcement. As of July, 13 counties in Wisconsin have such agreements between their sheriff’s departments and ICE.

However, as events in the Fox Valley this past week show, there is a widening gap between official support for ICE and the public’s opposition to its presence in their communities – a gap which is a measure of the discontent of the people with the current ruling class.

#AppletonWI #WI #ImmigrantRights

Appleton WI – On Friday, June 27, 100 community members gathered at Houdini Plaza in bustling downtown Appleton for Hate Free Outagamie’s rally to commemorate the 56th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.

This action, cosponsored by Diverse and Resilient, the Green Bay Anti-War Committee and Freedom Road Socialist Organization, focused on the significance of the uprising, and the lessons it teaches us about the present moment.

As the crowd gathered, chants of “Deny existence, expect resistance!” echoed through town as attendees toured organization tables, accessing literature and resources.

Mary Bogen, chair of Hate Free Outagamie, spoke of the LGBTQ movement in Wisconsin. She cited the Black Nite uprising of 1961, the historical occupations of the capitol building in Madison and the development of safe spaces throughout the Fox Valley area. Bogen told the crowd, “This state was called ‘the gay rights state’ not because of politicians, but because we fought for it.” Bogen ended her address by saying, “When we realize Hate Free Outagamie isn't just a name, it’s a demand. That’s Stonewall.”

Lana Ksionek, chair of the Green Bay Anti-War Committee, spoke next. Ksionek spoke of Sylvia Rivera’s experience in New York, Rivera’s gender expression was illegal, and she was unhoused. Ksionek then spoke on her experience as a trans person and the connection to Stonewall, stating “while these are precarious times, I’m not getting arrested for dressing femme, I have a car and a legal job. This is not a ‘be grateful for what you have’ narrative, the point is our material conditions are much better than 1969, Slyvia walked so we could run.”

This was the first of its kind event in the Fox Valley and as the movement continues to grow amidst the second Trump presidency, we are sure we will see more commemorations to come.

#AppletonWI #WI #LGBTQ #Pride #HateFreeOutagamie #AWCGB

Appleton, WI – Hundreds of workers, queer activists and community members flooded Houdini Plaza in Appleton, Wisconsin, on May 1, International Workers Day, kicking off a march that would face police repression before triumphantly returning to cheers of public support.

The action, organized by Hate Free Outagamie, Appleton Area NOW, Fox Valley Indivisible, ESTHER Fox Valley and other grassroots groups, sent an unmistakable message, that their solidarity is stronger than their oppression.

Opening call to action: “Defend your neighbors!”

Rev. Hannah Roberts Villnave of Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship opened the rally with a fiery challenge, stating, “Loving your neighbor means getting in the way of deportations, standing between trans folks and their attackers. They'll have to go through us first!” as the crowd responded with roars of approval.

Labor's fighting legacy

Jay Gibbs of UFCW Local 1473 grounded the day in Wisconsin's radical labor history, referring to events from the Bay View Massacre to current union drives. “May Day was born from blood spilled for the eight-hour day,” Gibbs said, “When we fight for the worker next to us, we fight for every worker.”

Highlighting the militant labor movement’s deep roots in Wisconsin, Gibbs slammed bosses and politicians who “prioritize profits over people” and cynically divide workers by race, gender or identity.

“Solidarity is how we win,” Gibbs declared, “When we fight for the worker next to us, we fight for every worker.”

Queer and worker solidarity

Mary Bogen, chair of Hate Free Outagamie, spoke on the fundamental link between the labor movement and the fight for queer liberation. They cited the examples of the armed lesbians who defended auto workers from strikebreakers in the 1930s, as well as the queer activists who marched with British miners who resisted Thatcher in the 1980s.

As the Trump administration escalates its attacks on trans healthcare and educators, Bogen castigated the Outagamie County Board for its continued opposition to a Trans Sanctuary ordinance, flying in the face of the will of the people embodied in the nearly 2000 petition signatures from workers, union members and allies.

“Their silence abandons trans workers, youth and families,” Bogen said, “But we say: Not here. Not ever. When one of us is denied safety, when one of us is stripped of healthcare, when one of us is forced into the shadows; every worker is weaker for it.”

Police repression meets people's power

As the march arrived at the Outagamie County courthouse from Houdini, it was greeted by almost a dozen Appleton Police Department squad cars and officers. A wall of squad cars and officers blocked the second leg of the march from returning to Houdini plaza from the courthouse. Officer William Berens, who has a history of targeting the movement, particularly women and non-binary people shoved a security team member multiple times.

When chants of “Let us march!” were ignored, the crowd pivoted to sidewalk protest, drawing honks and cheers from passing drivers. “APD showed their true role as enforcers for the powerful,” said Hate Free Outagamie Co-chair Tanner Ziebell, “But we showed our power; disciplined, united and unstoppable.”

This marks at least the second time Officer Berens has physically harassed protest marshals, the first time being at a Palestine march, now at May Day. APD's pattern is clear. But Appleton’s activists will keep marching, organizing, and fighting back. “They tried to stop us, but we marched anyway,” said UFCW organizer and HFO member Jay Gibbs, “That's the spirit of May Day!”

#AppletonWI #WI #Labor #LGBTQ #ImmigrantRights #Trans #UFCW

Appleton WI – On Saturday April 5, 2500 protesters convened at Houdini Plaza as part of the national “Hands Off” day of action. The demonstration spread throughout downtown Appleton, encompassing the sidewalks of several whole city blocks.

This event comes after the one-sided defeat of Brad Schimel in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Schimel campaigned on banning abortion, stripping union rights and attacking immigrants, and his loss came despite the millions of dollars that Elon Musk personally poured into the campaign. Schimel’s loss is a clear indication that the people are against Elon Musk, Donald Trump and the reactionary Republican agenda expanding in Wisconsin.

The demonstration began with a short rally at the center of Houdini Plaza, which was overflowing with protesters. Hate Free Outagamie member Tanner Ziebell addressed the crowd, stating, “It is not just Trump who got us in this position, it’s a system which allows an administration like this to get into power, where establishment politicians’ best strategy to resist is holding up signs on television and doubling down on the status quo. This is not a system that serves the interests of the people.”

Ziebell continued, “I won’t sugarcoat it, the road is going to be a long one, but we are more than capable of paving it. Trump and this system are not omnipotent, they can be defeated!”

Appleton Area National Organization of Women President Irene Strohbeen then addressed the crowd, stating, “While we have won the battle in our supreme court, the war is still ahead of us!” Concluding her powerful address amidst loud cheers, Strohbeen chanted, “Hands off our healthcare! Hands off our Jobs! Hands off our education! See you on College Ave!”

Protesters then dispersed outwards along the sidewalks stretching over many city blocks. Downtown Appleton became a symphony of chants, cheers and honks from passing cars. From cardboard Tesla car cutouts, to signs reading “Fight trump” and “Down with the rich,” a powerful message was displayed all throughout Appleton.

When asked about why they were in attendance, Appleton SDS member Julie Kelly said, “As much as the direction to turn seems muddled, I came to support the more radical direction this movement is headed in, we can’t go back to the status quo, we must fight for something new.”

The April 5 protest was cosponsored by many organizations, including Appleton Area National Organization of Women, Hate Free Outagamie, 50501, Democratic Socialists of America, Forward Fox Valley, and Appleton Students for a Democratic Society.

This historic day of national actions found a strong presence in the Fox Valley. It is clear that with each executive order, each attack on the people, the resistance to Trump only grows. From hundreds against Musk in Green Bay last week, to hundreds protesting for the postal workers, to thousands in the street today, the movement in the Fox Valley seems to only grow larger and larger.

#AppletonWI #WI #PeoplesStruggles #HateFreeOutagamie #NOW #FFV #SDS #50501 #DSA #Trump

Appleton, WI – In the biting cold of a Wisconsin evening, over 100 community members gathered on November 20 at Houdini Plaza with cider and a shared revolutionary spirit to keep them warm. As trans and gender fluid voices rang out, their message echoed through Outagamie county with unmistakable clarity: “Trans sanctuary now! We won’t back down!”

This year's rally and vigil commemorated the 25th anniversary of the first Trans Day of Remembrance. It also marked a pivotal moment in the fight against transphobia. Organized by Hate Free Outagamie, the event launched a bold campaign to designate Outagamie County as a trans sanctuary.

Following in the footsteps of Milwaukee and Dane Counties, where protections against healthcare discrimination and directives to deprioritize enforcement of anti-trans laws were already enacted, this grassroots effort aims to make Outagamie a beacon of safety and resilience for the trans community.

Lana Ksionek, co-chair of Green Bay Anti War Committee spoke to the crowd, “We need to accept that the current society and government is not meant for us.” She declared, “We need to learn how to organize so we can build an alternative that includes us.”

Across the country, reactionary lawmakers, particularly in Republican-ruled states are pushing legislation designed to isolate the trans community, sow fear and erode people’s fundamental right to exist. While neighboring states Minnesota and Illinois passed protective laws for their trans residents, Wisconsin remains behind. Wisconsin is a potential testing ground for future anti-trans laws in the Midwest.

Speaking in front of a banner reading, “Trans sanctuary now! Defend your neighbors!” Danielle Bruce, of Appleton Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), said, “Our power is in numbers and the more of us that know the true history and continue to fight for collective liberation, the less they can oppress, repress, and suppress us all.” They reminded the crowd, “This is a vigil, so let’s honor those who have come before us and look forward to a better world for us all.”

The fight for a trans sanctuary will lay the foundation for a broader movement against reactionary attacks in the Fox Valley. By addressing urgent needs like protections against discrimination in healthcare, housing, employment and other key areas of struggle for survival, the people of Outagamie County can create a model of solidarity and resilience. It demonstrates that when a community comes together, it can challenge systemic injustice and begin to build a future where oppression has no place, and everybody is safe and supported.

Hate Free Outagamie called on every member of the community to act. As support grows around their petition, much more will come from this struggle in Outagamie county.

#AppletonWI #LGBTQ #HateFreeOutagamie #GBAWC #SDS

Appleton, WI – On June 23, a local office for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin was the focus of a demonstration against the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Activists covered the county Democrats’ office with the names of hundreds of Palestinian martyrs.

While these names posted on the office are only a small fraction of the tens of thousands killed, entire families were among the martyrs highlighted. The most recent death toll from the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs was over 37,000 deaths and over 10,000 missing. Given the dire conditions on the ground, however, many estimate the total number of casualties is significantly higher.

Amongst the names scattered across the office windows, additional statements were posted, including “Gaza must have food and water, Democrats must stop the slaughter,” and “Genocide Joe is a war criminal.” Gazans are facing critical levels of food insecurity, with many facing imminent risk of starvation. With such little aid getting into Gaza, Palestinians are living on only 200 calories per day.

The demonstration was organized by Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), Hate Free Outagamie (HFO) and other community members.

Another message highlighted “No Pride in Genocide” calling out pink-washing, a strategy used to justify the ongoing genocide in Palestine citing a lack of queer rights. This message was intentionally placed over the pride flag hanging in the office and was especially relevant, as the community’s Pride celebration was held this weekend.