By Maggie LaNoue
Contributing Writer
June 6, 2025
About fifty people gathered on the sidewalk in front of the Albion Post Office on Monday, June 2, for a Moral Monday demonstration—part of a growing local movement rooted in nonviolence and collective action.
Many participants held hand-painted signs with phrases like “Good Trouble,” “Love One Another,” and “Hands Off Civil Rights.” Passersby in cars honked and waved in support as demonstrators lined the walk in the warm afternoon sun.
“It’s important to stand up and speak out,” said Thom Wilch, Albion College professor and director of the Center for Sustainability and the Environment, who brought a group of Albion College students. He added that people can make a difference by attending events like this and contacting their representatives.
One young attendee, Matty, emphasized the value of both public action and personal care: “Go to the protests. Self-care. It’s radical.” Their friend Bonnie Lord, the new editor-in-chief of the Albion College newspaper, also joined the demonstration. She mentioned that their group is participating in a movement called “No Buy 2025” and working more with bartering and trading in communities. “We’ve got an egg guy and a bread guy. We can boycott companies.”
Many voiced concerns for democracy and fairness in government. Rev. Charlotte Ellison said, “I feel deeply that this is a moral issue… I am terribly concerned about our democracy and the future as a Republic.”
Mary, who traveled from Jackson, shared: “I stand up for every protest that I can. As long as there’s air in me, I will continue to stand up for what is going on in our country.” Her friend John noted that a controversial clause—Section 70302—in an upcoming federal bill would “give politicians autonomy so they don’t have to answer to the courts.” According to him, this clause removes vital judicial oversight.
A link to more details about Section 70302 is included at the bottom of this article, along with ways to find and contact elected officials.
Participants came from Albion, Jackson, Marshall, and Olivet. A local special education paraprofessional, who wore a shirt with “Good Trouble” on it, said: “There is a right way to do this. This group is here to peacefully protest.”
Renda Beck, who recently moved to Albion, said it felt good to “stand on the corner and feel like I’m in solidarity… not feeling alone and unheard.”
Others echoed that sentiment. Bob Dunklin carried a sign reading “No Kings” and said: “We are fighting for our children, and our children’s kids too. It’s better if we stand together.”
Attendee Julia Mulkey reflected: “People didn’t want a king. They want diversity, equal rights. That’s what works for all.”
The event remained peaceful throughout. As Catherine Kerley noted, “If they don’t like it, they just don’t wave.”
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