Activists are organizing a 'Next250 All of Us' rally near the White House to unveil a 'Declaration of Interdependence,' outlining collective values for America's next 250 years. The movement aims to emphasize shared values and the rights of ordinary people, contrasting with official celebrations.
The protest and 'Declaration of Interdependence' aim to shape the national narrative around America's future values, emphasizing collective well-being and the rights of ordinary citizens, while critiquing partisan interpretations of national history and perceived erosions of civil liberties.
Thousands are expected to gather near the White House for the Next250 All of Us rally, an event organized by grassroots groups to present a vision for America's future ahead of the country's 250th anniversary.
At the rally, organizers will launch their 'Declaration of Interdependence,' an art installation intended to represent the collective values they believe should guide the nation for the next 250 years. This pledge, inspired by the Declaration of Independence, aims to foster a country where economic security, access to green spaces, and community safety are prioritized.
Linda Sarsour, an organizer with Next250, emphasized that the event is not tied to any specific administration but is about establishing a commitment to these values for historical record. She noted that listening sessions held in 36 states, Puerto Rico, and El Salvador revealed widespread agreement on basic values like economic security, healthcare, safe schools, and a livable planet, suggesting less polarization than commonly perceived.
In addition to the main event in Washington D.C., over 100 Next250 events are planned across the country, including rallies and teach-ins. For example, an event in Los Angeles will focus on the history of marginalized communities.
The Next250 initiative is taking place concurrently with the Trump administration's 'Freedom 250' celebration, which organizers view as a partisan event rather than a genuine historical reflection. They argue that 'Freedom 250' attempts to exclude Black and Indigenous history from the national narrative, particularly in the context of recent events like Juneteenth and the perceived weakening of voting rights.
Sarsour stated that the last 250 years belong to ordinary people and that the country's promises of free speech and the right to organize are worth defending, especially as some rights, like reproductive and voting rights, have been diminished. The movement is part of a broader summer calendar of activist events, including lobbying efforts, voter registration drives, and boycotts.