On Saturday, August 29th, like every Saturday for over six months, a dedicated group of seniors gathered under the midday sun. By 11:30 am, with temperatures hovering near 80 degrees, a crowd of about 30 had taken up their weekly post right across the street from Sony Pictures Studios. They call themselves The Palm Court (Never Say Die) Fighters. Holding bold, handwritten signs reading “No ICE,” “No Trump,” and “Deport Elon Musk,” the group brings a unique spirit to their corner of Overland Avenue.
Amid a broader national response to rising authoritarian activity, grassroots activism has taken many forms. The Palm Court (Never Say Die) Fighters started only a few months ago out of sheer necessity. Several residents of the nearby Palm Court senior living facility had been traveling to City Hall attend a larger local demonstrations, called Show Up Culver City. However, they soon realized that health and mobility challenges prevented many of their neighbors from joining. So, they decided to bring the protest straight to their own doorstep.
“We were inspired by them,” said John, a resident at Palm Court, recalling the momentum that prompted them to start their own rally.
Armed with foldable lawn chairs and waves, they drew a chorus of supportive car horns from passing traffic. The signs held overhead with crisp bold lettering read “No ICE,” “No Trump,” and “Deport Elon Musk,” alongside the classic invitation to “Honk to Dump Trump.”
For many, like Miss Barbara, the weekly routine has tapped into a fresh spark. “I’m practically addicted to gesturing for a honk,” she laughed, pumping her arm toward oncoming traffic to encourage another driver.
While younger working couples and families are scrunched for time—juggling full-time jobs and raising kids—these retirees have the bandwidth to show up every week.
The Boomer generation came of age during an era when taking to the streets bent the course of history. During the Civil Rights movement, mass demonstrations helped push the passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. Years later, public resistance changed foreign policy; by 1971, Gallup polling revealed that 60% of Americans believed the U.S. had made a mistake sending troops to Vietnam, a massive shift largely because of street marches.
“I was in the Vietnam War protest, because all boys in my school had to go to war,” said Joanne, a Palm Court resident.
“I was invested in the Women’s movement,” added Maydell, another resident.
National numbers sometimes tell a different story about political engagement today. A 2021 Pew Research Center study found that only 21% of Baby Boomers participated in activities like protesting or volunteering, compared to 32% of Gen Z and 28% of Millennials.
Yet on the corners of Culver City, these retirees are flipping that statistic on its head.
And while critics often write off senior protests as purely defensive measures focused on Social Security, conversations on the street corner reveal a completely different set of concerns.
“I don’t know anything about what he’s doing with retirement,” Joanne admitted. “All I know is, [this administration] has said that he wants to have the Gulf of Mexico named after him.” Barbara echoed the sentiment, pointing to absurd headlines like proposals to annex Greenland.
If you’d like to join the Palm Court (Never Say Die) Fighters, simply show up any Saturday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on Overland Avenue at Palm Court Way.
Clara Carvalho
