By Rodney Harmon
TOPEKA, Kan. — On Saturday, April 5, the Kansas State Capitol steps were the scene of one of the largest grassroots demonstrations in recent memory, as more than 3,000 people gathered in Topeka to participate in the statewide “Hands Off” rally. This rally, one of several held across Kansas that day, was part of a national movement centered on the principles of unity, justice, and personal freedom.
Across the United States, more than 1,200 protests took place under the banner of the national “Hands Off” movement, sending a powerful message from coast to coast. While several demonstrations unfolded across Kansas as part of this collective day of action, each city’s rally was led by its own local organizers. The Topeka rally was a standout gathering in both size and spirit. The lawn surrounding the Capitol quickly filled with signs, banners, and chants as participants arrived by carpool, bus, and on foot to make their voices heard in the state’s political heart.
The Topeka rally featured a lineup of speakers who reflect the grassroots, legal, and legislative networks working for change in Kansas. Among the speakers were:
Sherry Giebler, 2024 candidate for Kansas Senate District 37
Anne Parelkar, a licensed attorney in Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas
Representative Tobias Schlingensiepen, current representative of Kansas House District 55
Elise Flatland, policy analyst with Equality Kansas
Representative Nikki McDonald, representing House District 49
Thomas Alonzo, Chair and Executive Director of Equality Kansas
Erin Dix, who represented the National 50501 Movement’s Unified Speech Project.
Each speaker brought their perspective and presence to the rally, reinforcing the theme of unity in diversity. Although no speeches are quoted here, their presence underscored the broad coalition of voices supporting the movement and contributed to the strong sense of purpose that carried through the afternoon.
The Topeka event was organized by Christie Peterson; the Kansas state coordinator for the 50501 Movement, a national grassroots initiative founded on the principles of full equality, human rights, and shared power. While Christie coordinated the Topeka rally, other city events across Kansas were locally led and independently organized in alignment with the same values.
Link to interview with Christie Peterson
What is 50501?
50501 (Fifty Fifty One) is a national network of organizers, advocates, and everyday citizens working toward a country that represents and protects all people—not just the privileged few. Their name represents a vision of 50 states united in purpose and 100% inclusion of people across race, class, gender identity, immigration status, disability, and religion.
The organization grounds its mission in a set of Values and Commitments that were referenced and reaffirmed throughout the Kansas rally:
ü Democracy for All
ü Bodily Autonomy
ü Education and Truth
ü LGBTQ+ Justice
ü Solidarity across Communities
ü People over Profit
A Peaceful Show of Power
The mood at the Topeka rally was energetic and determined, yet peaceful. Families with children attended.
Despite the seriousness of the issues, the event also carried a strong sense of joy and hope. Participants wore t-shirts and buttons emblazoned with “Hands Off ,” “50501,” and other slogans, proudly displaying their belief in a more inclusive future.
Throughout the afternoon, chants erupted spontaneously from the crowd
Building Momentum Beyond the Capitol
Organizers were clear: the rally is only the beginning. Attendees were urged to follow up their presence with action—writing legislators, attending school board meetings, volunteering for advocacy efforts, and helping neighbors understand what’s at stake.
“Being here today means a lot,” one participant said. “But what we do tomorrow, next week, and this summer is what really defines this movement.”
Many in attendance expressed concern about recent legislative proposals in Kansas impacting reproductive healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, and public education. Others voiced frustration about broader national trends—from voter suppression to climate inaction—and were looking to connect with others who shared their vision of justice.
The rally provided opportunities for engagement through QR codes, sign-up sheets, and open invitations to future planning sessions. In this way, the Topeka event served not just as a protest, but as a Launchpad for long-term organizing and empowerment.
A Kansas Grounded in Equity
While the Topeka event was not the only Hands Off rally in Kansas that day, it stood out for its scale and its symbolism. At the seat of Kansas government, thousands gathered to say clearly that they expect their leaders to govern with fairness, compassion, and respect.
And while Christie Peterson coordinated this specific rally in Topeka, she emphasized the importance of local leadership and self-determined action across the state. “Kansas is full of people who care deeply about their communities,” she said. “What we saw today wasn’t just resistance; it was love in action.”
From Topeka to cities across Kansas and beyond, the message was unmistakable: Kansans are wide awake, deeply engaged, and ready to protect what matters.
For more stories on Kansas civic engagement, policy updates, and community voices, visit ThisIsTopeka.com.
