Local concerned citizens join People's March in Houghton despite frigid weather

By Alexandra Larsen*

Participants in the People's March in Houghton, Mich., cross the Portage Lift Bridge between Houghton and Hancock on a blustery cold January 18, 2025, with wind chills at -11degrees F. (Photos © and courtesy Alexandra Larsen)

HOUGHTON -- On Saturday, January 18, nearly 60 people braved icy conditions and bitter wind chill to march in solidarity with others across the country in a People's March supporting the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights in Houghton, Michigan. Marchers gathered at Houghton's Bridgeview Park and carried American flags and signs as they walked across the Portage Lift Bridge to Hancock and then back down to the park.

Marchers gather at Bridgeview Park in Houghton for a few words from organizers before heading up to the Portage Lift Bridge. The flag is at half-staff in honor of the late President Jimmy Carter.

Saturday’s march united people of all ages with various political priorities, but a common theme was equal rights for all people. Many said they appreciated the community aspect of the march -- that they could state their political positions on social media, but to really look out for others in the community requires being together.

Organizer Susan Burack said, "It’s important to do this here in our community. We are part of a nationwide effort, but I feel very strongly that you have to do what you can where you are and we’re here."

Organizer Susan Burack prepares to take the megaphone from William Keith, chair of the Houghton County Democratic Party. Both spoke at Bridgeview Park.

After a welcome by Burack, the gathering began with remarks by William Keith, chair of the Houghton County Democratic Party. He announced that the march was to declare the rights that people want to protect and to promise to be standing for those rights in the future. He gestured to the signs among the crowd, some of which read, "Equal Rights for All," "Freedom of Religion," "Freedom of the Press," "Right to Privacy," and "Liberty and Justice for All."

After opening remarks, marchers proceeded up to Shelden Avenue to cross the Portage Lift Bridge. Conditions were cold and windy, and the sidewalk was not cleared of snow and ice. The temperature was 10 degrees, and phone apps read "Feels like -11℉."

Participants in the March walk up to Shelden Avenue and head for the Lift Bridge.

The line of participants spanned the bridge, and the march was punctuated by frequent bursts of horns blaring and drivers waving in support. Despite the cold, some marchers remained along Shelden Avenue visiting and waving their signs after the march had ended.

Marchers brave the frigid wind chill and icy sidewalks as they cross the Portage Lift Bridge between Hancock and Houghton. (Videos © and courtesy Alexandra Larsen)

Parents of young children were among the participants, including Kevin Trewartha, who said he joined the march in support of human rights and brought his children because of his concern for their future.

Kevin Trewartha notes his reasons for participating in the march.

Terri Frew commented on her support for immigrants as one reason she joined the march.

"I think immigrants are what make this country strong," she said.

Terri Frew speaks of her support for legal immigrants and her concerns about racism and xenophobia.

Jean Ellis, retired educator and co-chair of the Keweenaw Heritage Center at St. Anne's in Calumet, carried a sign with a quote by Vice President Kamala Harris that read, "Democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it." Ellis said showing up in the cold weather was a way to stand up for rights that have been threatened.

Jean Ellis speaks about the importance of fighting for rights that are being eroded.

Marcher Kathryn Wyeth mentioned a key phrase in the People's March: "We're not going back!"

Kathryn Wyeth notes all Americans should be represented.

Women's rights were also important to many marchers, including one in Houghton who said, "My name is Julia and I am here because I am young and because there is a future waiting for me that I am not willing to let slide under the rug. I am fighting for my bodily autonomy, I am fighting for my rights and our rights and every single person in America."

One participant, who wished to remain anonymous, had this to say: "I believe that all Americans -- whether you’re Democrat, you’re conservative, and even MAGA -- I think we all want the same thing. We want a safe country, to earn a living wage, to have housing, to provide for our families, safety for our kids and grandkids. We want to leave a better future than what we’ve been given here. I’m just concerned that until propaganda media is taken down that people aren’t going to be able to listen because their minds are just so closed off. My hope is for the future."

Following the march, organizer Susan Burack said she appreciated everyone coming out in such cold weather. 

"WE are part of a nationwide effort," Burack noted, "but politically we know that more people didn’t vote for Trump than did. He does not have a mandate. We can’t just go away for four years. People are saying we can’t watch the news anymore but we need to be there. We need to be aware of what’s going on and be active."

*Editor's Note: Guest author Alexandra Larsen, of Atlantic Mine, has worked as an Integrated Marketing Communication Specialist/Editor for Michigan Tech and enjoys writing. While her background is in business and marketing, Alexandra has served as a School Volunteer at South Range Elementary School for the past 10 years and is Vice President of their Parent Teachers Organization. She is also the mother of five children and is active in church and community volunteer work.