By Fighting Words Staff
On Saturday morning October 17, 2026, activists gathered at Detroit’s Eastern Market to call for the emergence of a movement to defeat tyranny and fascism.
Various organizations endorsed and participated in the event which received a warm welcome from the patrons, farmers and merchants along Russell Street.
The Moratorium NOW! Coalition called for the mobilization along with the Michigan Coalition Against Genocide and the Nakba Survivors Association. Additional co-sponsors included Black Voters Matter, Code Pink Detroit, Common Cause, Detroit Change Initiative, and Voters Not Politicians.
Speakers from Black Voters Matter, Moratorium NOW! Coalition, Detroit Committee to Defeat ICE, Voters Not Politicians, Nakba Survivors Association, Veterans for Peace, and many others addressed the crowd.
The rally was followed by a spirited march through the Eastern Market and concluded with with closing remarks and pizzas provided by Detroit Change Initiative.
This manifestation was part of thousands of other demonstrations across the state of Michigan and the United States.
Everyone present was concerned about the threats from the MAGA administration to disrupt the November 3 elections and counting of the votes. Many other signs carried at the rally and march condemned the US war against Iran, expressed solidarity with Palestine, Cuba and Venezuela and called for “ICE OUT” and “Medicare for All.”
Overall, it was estimated that 9 million people came into the streets to support the demonstrations and its objectives across the nation.
