Henderson County Stands Up: 1,500 Rally for Justice, Dignity, and Democracy
- dalton buchanan
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
On April 5, more than 1,500 people gathered in downtown Hendersonville for the Hands Off! “Resist, Insist, Persist” Rally—joining thousands across the state and nation in a unified call to protect our rights, our communities, and our future.
Organized by a coalition of nine local organizations, with leadership from Holly Newton and Laura Bannister, the rally brought together advocates for racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, environmental protection, immigrant rights, and democratic accountability. Music from Annie Wenz & Crew lifted spirits throughout the afternoon and kept the energy high.
The Henderson County Democratic Party was proud to stand in solidarity with our neighbors, and proud to speak out for the values we share.
💬 Voices from the Movement
The rally featured short, powerful messages from community leaders and organizations across Henderson County:
Melinda Lowrance (NAACP) opened with a call for continued resistance to racism and injustice.
Alejandra Carro & Stephanie Dasai (El Centro) spoke about the strength and struggles of immigrant communities in Western NC.
Virginia Tegal reminded us that environmental justice is inseparable from economic justice.
Dal Davis (Hendersonville Pride) spoke powerfully about the ongoing need to defend LGBTQ+ and minority rights in small towns like ours.
Laura Bannister highlighted the importance of protecting truth, transparency, and access to education.
Rachel Poller closed with a moving original poem on resilience, solidarity, and hope.
🏔️ Speaking for the Working Class
Our own Third Vice Chair, Dalton Buchanan, delivered a passionate address connecting the struggles of working people in Henderson County to the broader political forces shaping our lives:
“When somebody’s home is destroyed, we don’t ask who they voted for—we just help. That’s what community looks like.”
“Trump came here after Hurricane Helene, promised help, and then walked away. Meanwhile, his administration issued orders that delayed the aid our communities desperately needed. While they stalled, we got to work. That’s what leadership looks like.”
Dalton reminded the crowd that real power comes not from billionaires or headlines, but from people organizing in their own backyards. His closing line brought the crowd to cheers:
“If you’re not fighting for working folks—you’ll be replaced by working folks.”
🪧 What Democracy Looks Like
Signs across the plaza captured the spirit of the rally—bold, creative, and grounded in truth. Some standouts included:
“WTF CHUCK? ALLEGIANCE TO WHOM?”
“Vance does NOT represent Appalachia”
“Think while it''s still legal”
“All of my outrage cant fit on this sign!”
📸 See the crowd from the stage:
🔥 What Comes Next
From Asheville to New Bern, April 5 was a day of action in every corner of the state. But here in Henderson County, the rally was more than a protest—it was a reflection of who we are and what we believe:
That hard work should be met with fair pay
That every voice deserves to be heard, regardless of wealth or status
And that our mountain values mean showing up for one another
We are proud of what this community accomplished—and we’re just getting started.
If you’re ready to build a more just, inclusive, and people-powered future right here in Henderson County, we invite you to join us.
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