An overcast Saturday morning didn’t stop more than 400 participants from gathering outside the McGuire Dent Recreation Center in Galveston as part of a coordinated, nationwide demonstration known as the 50501 Movement.

The protest, organized locally by the League of Women Voters of Galveston, was part of a growing grassroots effort that originated online earlier this year. Participants rallied around concerns related to immigration, Social Security, Medicare, and other federal programs they say are at risk due to current political agendas.

“Read the news and you’ll know what brings us out here,” said one protester. “Our Social Security is at risk, our savings are at risk.”

The event remained peaceful. Police were present but reported no incidents, aside from a few passing drivers voicing opposition as they drove by.

Handmade signs lined the sidewalk — many calling out President Donald Trump by name, others focusing on social safety nets and immigration reform.

Lillie McNearney, a League City resident, said she believes local action can send a larger message.

“If we need to do this locally, as much as possible, the message will get to Washington,” McNearney told KGTX 7 News.

The Galveston event was one of many protests held across the country this weekend as part of the 50501 Movement — short for 50 protests, 50 states, one movement.

KGTX 7 News will continue to follow local civic action across Galveston County.

Photo credit Stephen Bernardoni

Correction: An earlier version of this article stated that over 100 participants attended Saturday’s protest in Galveston. We’ve since learned that the actual number was closer to 400. We apologize for the error and have updated the story to reflect the correct estimate.