The Resistance and The Race
- jrnewlin
- May 15
- 2 min read

We are getting a number of questions about what the plans are for protests and demonstrations around the Indianapolis 500, especially if Donald Trump makes an appearance.
The leadership of Indivisible Central Indiana, and of Indiana 50501 as well, has determined that we are not going to organize or encourage demonstrations around the Speedway on Race Weekend. We certainly understand the desire among many of our members to not let this authoritarian regime make a desecration of an event that commemorates our veterans, in our own backyard.
But given the likely make-up of much of the huge crowd, and the event’s propensity for overindulgence in alcohol, it seems that the potential for violence is too great. Or, in order to avoid violence, local law enforcement might find it simpler to just put protesters in the drunk tank rather than monitor any stand-offs. In our opinion, the risks outweigh the value of any statement that might be made.
That doesn’t mean that we are avoiding doing anything at ALL around the race events.
50501 will be holding its now-standard every-Friday-afternoon demonstration on the Statehouse Lawn from 4 pm to 6 pm on Friday, May 23. These Friday afternoon events are not the full-scale rallies with stages, speakers, and PA systems that you may have attended for Hands Off or Shred or May Day; simply an opportunity to be visible with signs and chants during the evening rush hour.
On Saturday, May 24, the Indy West Side Indivisible Chapter is organizing quiet protests with signage and coordinated “wearable messages” along the 500 Parade route downtown, reminding the international fans and drivers that Indy STILL Welcomes Race Fans … and opposes deportations. We will have more information and sign-up opportunities in Monday’s e-newsletter.
Then, 50501 will be holding a full-scale Statehouse rally with the expected speakers and music during the race itself, on Sunday May 25 from noon to 3, for those who have no interest in the race, and for those who love the race but can’t bear to attend it this year.
On Monday, May 26 – the actual Memorial Day – Indivisible Central Indiana is looking into organizing a press conference with voices of multiple Indiana veterans discussing the impact of the Trump agenda on their lives and legacy. Watch for more details in Monday’s newsletter.
And of course, we are aware that some friends still want to be at the track itself, this weekend for qualifications and a week from Sunday for the race itself. We understand their motivations
and wish them the best. Stay safe friends!
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