Practicing Civil Disobedience

Robin Perez and Dawn Lum protest Monday through Friday on a bridge above Montlake Boulevard near the University of Washington. (Photo: Manola Rubiralta)

An administration, a tech bro and swaths of executive
orders: these are the things that motivated siblings Robin Perez and Dawn Lum to protest.

“This is my golden years when I’m supposed to be traveling and enjoying my retirement,” Perez said. “Instead, I’m back to protesting like we were doing in the 60s and 70s.”

The sisters feel that protesting is the only way they can
show their discontent with the current president. Lum encourages Americans to think more about their place in politics.

“You’re not alone, and you’ve got to take care of yourself,” Lum said. “But do you, in the end of whatever the end of this is, do you want to be the person who did nothing?”

Perez and Lum want people to know that they are welcome to join and discuss on the bridge as long as they don’t bring violence.

“Protesting makes other people realize that things aren’t great, but it also helps others realize that they’re not alone,” Perez said. “Make sure that you’re aware of what’s happening and that you’re on the right side of history

Sisters Robin Perez and Dawn Lum hang an American Flag at the site of their protest. (Photo: Manola Rubiralta)

Robin Perez

Robin Perez, a 61 year old retired research scientist, first got the idea to protest after her sister in law in California did the same.

" I made the sign, got out there, and it was just me at first," Perez said. " I'm very pleased to win one of the young people stops and takes the time to stand with us, we've had plenty."

Perez has made a multitude of signs in her time protesting, but there is one that she tends to resonate with the most.

"There's one that keeps coming back, and that's a sign that says mad as hell, because I am angry," Perez said. "It just makes me very angry that we have to re Fight, fight again for these things that we had earned through long fights with the government and society."

Perez strongly disagrees with Elon Musk and the Trump Administration's recent executive orders.

" There's nothing, to them at this point," Perez said. "They just need to go away."

Dawn Lum holds to signs in protest. (Photo: Manola Rubiralta)

Dawn Lum

Research coordinator and 63-year old Dawn Lum is frustrated by the political state of the United States in 2025. She feels that protesting is the way to show Musk and the Trump administration that she does not agree with their policies.

"Protesting gives me the ability to tell myself that I'm doing something," Lum said. "It may not look like a lot, but it is reaching people, and it's telling them that they're not alone."

One of Lum's favorite moments from being up on the bridge is when a young UW student stopped to protest with them despite the pouring rain. Lum's sister expressed her frustration because she felt like she was, "preaching to the choir. And he said, 'now you're telling them to stand up'."

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