Social Justice Sunday at Shoreline-Edmonds line - Hot sun and joyful spirit at Flag Day sign-waving

Be the sparkle in a world of hate

Story and Photos by Pamela Mieth

Sunday's Flag Day sign-waving at the Shoreline-Edmonds line was a festive affair with music, plenty of flags, more than a little sparkle, and a real sense of camaraderie and hope.

More than 100 area residents turned out for the event despite the hot sun and temperatures pushing well into the mid- 80s, with some continuing on to yet other events in nearby communities.

Attendees hoped to provide counterpoint to the let-them-eat-cake spectacle in Washington, D.C. 

President Trump's planned birthday party of UFC fights - a company in which he recently bought stock - aired on paid subscription-only Paramount+ - a network whose owners have much business before federal regulators, including a merger just approved Friday and other companies in which he also bought stock.

In addition to a boombox on one corner with a curated playlist of protest songs from across the decades, another corner featured a live trombonist who played his heart out on a repertoire of patriotic and fun, recognizable tunes to the delight of the crowd.

Members of several local arts and activists groups were present who, along with many regulars, added color to the assembled crowd that stretched along the Aurora Avenue North and N 205th St. intersection with rainbows aplenty, pink wigs and pompoms to "be the sparkle in a world of hate," and yellow umbrellas.

The umbrellas were a nod to the 2014 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong (ultimately unsuccessful) and organizers are hoping to create "a similar movement here as an expression of solidarity in the fight for our democracy and for free and fair elections."

The joyful spirit at Sunday's event did not belie the serious message of many attendees: 

• the importance of standing up for our own and others' rights, 
• resisting creeping fascism, 
• working together to help build strong and resilient communities for all, and 
• striving to leave the world a better place than we find it.

The future is inclusive

Everyday Activists "Social Justice Sundays " sign-waving continues 6/21 and 6/28, 1-2pm, at the same location. Bring a sign or just yourself (some signs will be available to borrow.).

As always, non-perishable food and toiletry items will be accepted for donation to a local organization assisting those in need.