ELLIJAY, GA — On a crisp February day, as the nation observed President’s Day, a small but determined group of about 20 protesters gathered in downtown Ellijay to voice their concerns over the Trump administration’s policies. The local demonstration was part of a larger wave of coordinated protests across the country, organized by the grassroots 50501 Movement, which has been gaining momentum since its inception on Reddit in late January.
The Ellijay protesters, bundled against the mountain chill, carried signs and chanted slogans like “Eat the Rich” as they expressed their frustrations with the administration’s handling of Medicare, Social Security, and education. Their voices echoed those of thousands of Americans who rallied in front of courthouses, city halls, and state capitols from coast to coast, including a significant gathering outside the White House.
The 50501 Movement, which organized the nationwide protests, has been vocal in its criticism of what it calls the “anti-democratic and illegal actions” of the Trump administration. The group’s demands include the impeachment of President Trump, an investigation into billionaire Elon Musk’s role in leading the Department of Government Efficiency, and the reinstatement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives that have been rolled back through executive orders.
The movement’s roots trace back to a Reddit post by a user named Evolved_Fungi, which quickly gained traction on social media. The first nationwide protest on February 5 drew thousands of participants across nearly 100 cities, and Monday’s turnout was even larger.
In Ellijay, the protest may have been modest in size, but it was mighty in spirit, reflecting the growing unease among some residents about the direction of the country.
“We’re not just numbers or consumers. We are the People,” the 50501 Movement declared in a statement. “We reject fascism. We reject the oligarchy. We reject the idea that any person’s worth is less than another’s.”
The movement has garnered support from a diverse coalition, including Political Revolution, a group founded after Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign, and Smart Girls, an organization co-founded by actress Amy Poehler. Local and state Democratic lawmakers have also joined the cause, with several Michigan state House Democrats participating in the February 5 protests.
For Ellijay residents, the protest was a rare but poignant moment of political activism in this quiet North Georgia town. As the chants faded and the crowd dispersed, the message was clear: even in the heart of the Appalachian foothills, the call for accountability and justice resonates.