BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Most Monday workdays end at 5 p.m. For one dedicated group of Black Mountain citizens, 5 p.m. is when their work begins.
The “Monday Group” is a weekly meeting of “pro-democracy protesters,” founded by a small collective of Black Mountain citizens in the days after the reelection of President Donald Trump. While the group does not have a name outside of their weekday affiliation, many members share the convictions of pro-democracy nonprofits like Indivisible AVL.
The protestors meet around 5 p.m. almost every week in Black Mountain Town Square, waving signs and peace flags at passing traffic and curious pedestrians. The demonstrations usually last between 45 minutes and an hour, with participants lining up along State Street and Montread Road in the downtown Black Mountain park.
According to Debra Rae Cohen, Black Mountain citizen and an organizer of the Monday Group, the group’s numbers vary week to week. During the most recent No Kings rally in Black Mountain, Cohen reported that hundreds of protestors joined the cause at town square. On quieter weeks, anywhere from 30-80 protestors take to the sidewalk.
The demonstrations are fully permitted and attempt to be as unobtrusive as possible.
“The town is okay with it,” Cohen said. “They just tell us to keep the sidewalks clear.”
Cohen said that the response from the community has been tremendously supportive. During the most recent protest on Monday, April 13, cars enthusiastically blasted their horns for the duration of the event, par for the course for the demonstrations. To Cohen, the meetings are less about being “anti-Trump” and more about being “pro-democracy,” “pro-forestry” and “pro-immigration.”
“Pro everything this administration stands against,” Cohen clarified.
Rather than casting a shroud of negativity on what present politics are not, the group has become a beacon of community action for many. Cohen said that the purpose of the Monday Group is to remind the Black Mountain community – residents, visitors and themselves alike – that there is a large contingent of Black Mountain people who stand for the principles the protests promote.
According to Cohen, even those who disagree with the Monday Group are treated with courtesy.
“We just smile and wave,” Cohen said.
The atmosphere at the April 13 rally was familiar, with protestors chatting amongst their companions, complimenting others’ signs and leaning on their neighbors for support. Several protestors said they had attended many of the rallies since the beginning. However, even for newer participants, every sign pointed to the intention of returning next week.