This weekend’s planned protests, which claim to be grassroots community initiatives, are actually organized by a George Soros-backed dark money activist group.
Indivisible Greater Grand Rapids has scheduled several protests this week, culminating in Saturday’s No Kings singing rally in Calder Square. IGGR describes itself as “a local grassroots movement that is part of the nationwide Indivisible organization,” the aim of which is to “activate people to speak out about legislation and policies.”
Despite its grassroots claims, the larger Indivisible organization is listed as a grant recipient of funds from the Open Society Foundation. That organization is backed by left-wing billionaire George Soros and has given funds to Indivisible each of the last seven years, most recently a $3 million grant.
IGGR also receives funding from ActBlue, a group that raises funds for left-wing progressive causes across the country. The larger Indivisible organization also promises to help local chapters raise money by channeling donations from activists.
IGGR did not respond to a request for comment from The Grand Rapids Herald regarding its funding sources or organizational relationship with the larger Indivisible network.
Indivisible’s Grand Rapids chapter, in particular, hosts regular, organized protests, including weekly protests for LGBTQIA+ legislation and biweekly anti-ICE rallies.
This past week, for instance, the group hosted outings ranging from lecture events to public protests.
On Monday, March 23 IGGR supporters met at Fountain Street Church to hear a talk titled, “Opposing Tyranny with Nonviolent Civil Resistance.”
The event featured Gary Stark, Professor Emeritus of History at Grand Valley State University, who published extensively about historical instances of censorship in German history.
According to the event ad, “Professor Gary Stark will talk about the various forms of non-violent resistance that individuals can take.”
Since his retirement, Stark has aligned himself with the Kent County Democrat Party. He served as party chair from 2017 through the 2020 elections.
On Friday, Indivisible will also host a protest at the Fuller Avenue bridge over I-196, the latest in IGGR’s recurring “Bridge Brigade Takeover” protest series.
The group aims to raise awareness of authoritarianism in America, specifically tied to the Trump administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and other national issues.
The week of protesting will culminate in a No Kings day protest, which begins with a singalong at Calder Plaza, “a celebration of unity and community in song.”
“Singing together helps lower stress, ease anxiety, and calm the body and mind,” a recent Substack post from IGGR says. “It offers a sense of connection and safety, reminding us that we are supported and valued. When we sing as a group, we experience belonging—we remember that we are not alone.”
After the singalong, the formal protest will begin, running from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rosa Parks Circle.
“We will defend ourselves and our communities against this administration’s unjust and cruel acts of violence,” the event web page says. “On March 28th, rise up, take to the streets, and say it loud: no thrones, no crowns, no kings. We’re not watching history happen—we’re making it. Join us.”
Write to jacob@grherald.com.