By HANNAH MASSEY
A group of protestors gathered at Bear Square, outside the Whole Foods Market in Riverdale Park, on Thursday, March 13, holding signs and distributing literature that urged shoppers to boycott Amazon and Whole Foods.
The protest, which came together in one week according to members of the group, was part of a nationwide strike against Amazon and its founder, Jeff Bezos, who has been criticized for his ties to the Trump administration.
“We are here to alert people about the problems with Amazon, Bezos and Whole Foods, and to show how all these issues are connected to what’s happening in our country,” said Todd, a protester with the organization who said he would not disclose his last name for safety reasons.
The literature handed out included the message “First, he came for the bookstore, then he killed the Washington Post. Now, he’s coming for democracy,” accompanied by a picture of both Bezos and President Donald Trump on one side. On the other side, the group listed local businesses, bookstores and community-supported agriculture programs as alternatives.
“We want to make Hyattsville, and our country, a safe place for everyone,” said Trish, a spokesperson for the group who also said she would not disclose her name for safety reasons.
The protestors said they were connected with Indivisible Route One, an advocacy organization with chapters across the country that seeks to build community by advocating for action against the GOP agenda, elect local champions, and fight for progressive politics, according to the national organization’s website. The group’s stated goal is to channel dismay into action by working with elected leaders at all levels and assisting vulnerable communities in our areas.
“We want to get more people involved, get them to boycott Amazon and Whole Foods, and amplify voices for change,” Trish said.
The group’s efforts extend beyond national issues, with a strong focus on local activism. “The goal is to get people started, get them involved, and bring more voices to the table to save our area and our country,” Trish noted.
