HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, everyone!
In the spirit of the day, the sign I carried at today’s protest in Faribault focused on one simple message: loving each other.
I could have crafted a sign about a hundred different issues that concern me right now in this country. But I decided instead to keep my message universal.
However, look closely and you will see that the hands I cut from construction paper are black and brown. That was intentional, representing the Hispanics, Latinos and Somalis who live in my community. Many have been racially-profiled by ICE, stopped, questioned. Doesn’t matter your immigration and/or citizenship status. If you’re black or brown, you likely will be stopped. I have no idea how many in Faribault have been disappeared by ICE, but certainly too many.
Back to my sign. I held it proudly at the hour-long protest along Minnesota State Highway 60 by the Rice County government services building. Today brought another 75 or so protesters, including many newbies, to line the block. I pulled signs I’d placed in the back of the van to share with three people who showed up without signs.
If honks and waves are a poll of public opinion, well the reaction from passing motorists has been overwhelmingly supportive of protesters.
It’s OK to disagree with us. But when people start yelling profanities, drive by at a dangerously high rate of speed, “roll coal” and/or give us the middle finger, I have to wonder why they feel so compelled to project such hate.
My message today was all about love. Simple, universal, and perfect for Valentine’s Day. Just love one another.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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