Indivisible Trinidad Praises Inclusivity Resolution

Press release:

Members of Indivisible Trinidad, a grassroots citizens group advocating for a more humane and democratic America, praised the Trinidad City Council’s adoption Tuesday of a resolution “affirming the city’s support for inclusivity and due process in immigration enforcement.”

The resolution, drafted by Council member Kati Breckenridge and Mayor Cheryl Kelly, passed with three votes — Breckenridge, Kelly and Jack Tuttle — and two abstentions — Bryce Kenny and John Waskiewicz.

Noting the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of both Trinidad residents and visitors, the resolution confirms that the City “values the diversity, talents, and contributions of those who live in, work in, and visit our community.”

About a dozen community members expressed support for the measure. “This resolution can help people feel safe in Trinidad,” one woman said.
Indivisible Trinidad organizer Tina Freeland praised the Council’s action. “The Council demonstrated courage and patriotism in standing up for what is right and passing this resolution,” she said.

“Equality, liberty and justice are not insignificant words to be repeated by rote in our Pledge of Allegiance,” Freeland said. “They are to be regarded mindfully and reaffirmed regularly if our democracy is to survive. Thank you, councilors, for representing what is best in Trinidad and in our nation.”

After the vote, Breckenridge said she was gratified at the outcome. “I do feel proud of what we did, small as it is,” she said.

Some were puzzled by the two councilors’ abstentions. During discussion, both Kenny and Waskiewicz questioned whether the resolution was an appropriate action for the City Council. “Who’s against equality?” one resident said.

Indivisible Trinidad, once the nation’s smallest Indivisible chapter, located in one of the smallest incorporated cities in California, now enrolls more than 100 members. The nationwide organization states, “Indivisible has been rooted in the belief that organized people can beat organized hate. We’re building a movement to save democracy and defeat authoritarianism.” See indivisible.org/.

Indivisible Trinidad conducts public information activities and holds peaceful demonstrations every Saturday on Main Street in opposition to authoritarianism and government violence, including ICE’s shooting of residents in Minneapolis and elsewhere. Like Indivisible groups nationwide, Indivisible Trinidad is planning its No Kings 3 protest on March 28, part of a national demonstration. For more information, contact Freeland at [email protected].