On the morning of November 5 in Washington, D.C., a rally organized by Refuse Fascism takes place at the Washington Monument, gathering around 1,500 to 2,000 participants, many older and dressed in colorful costumes or symbolic attire. Sunsara Taylor, a co-founder of Refuse Fascism, expresses determination to fight against what she perceives as a fascist regime, especially following the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, which the Trump administration controversially attributed to anti-fascist groups.
The rally promotes the clear goal of removing Trump from power through nonviolent protests, in stark contrast to the less defined aims of the No Kings movement, which had garnered significant attendance in earlier events. Refuse Fascism, with roots in the Revolutionary Communist Party led by Bob Avakian, emphasizes the urgency of their mission and the need for collective action against Trump, whom they label a fascist.
The group’s strategies draw on historical successful movements but face challenges in mobilizing millions consistently, compounded by fears of backlash and the unconventional ties to the RevComs, which some view as problematic. Despite skepticism from parts of the left regarding their connections to Avakian’s ideology, Taylor asserts that the fight against fascism transcends individual beliefs.
Refuse Fascism works openly, stressing nonviolence and securing permits for their events, yet they face difficulties attracting broader support due to their radical associations. The article illustrates the organization’s ongoing efforts to rally participants and sustain momentum against what they see as an escalating threat of dictatorship in the U.S.
