"Having a civil protest with no obscene chants will help others hear us and spread our message that 'Love Trumps Hate,'" the "SLC Trump Protest" group posted on its Facebook page before its rally.
Kyle Huynh, one of the organizers, told marchers, "We want to be an example for how other protests should be throughout the country," as they attempted to show love and vow protection for those who feel threatened by Trump's policies.
While protests earlier this week attracted mostly young people, the march on Saturday attracted about 1,000 people of all age groups — who stretched for about three blocks down State Street at one point.
Amid pleas for civility, a few counter-protesting Trump supporters standing in the group attracted no violent replies but only light banter — or were simply ignored.
While police shut off State Street for marchers, some cars still turned onto it from driveways and side streets that had not been blocked. Some angry protesters stood in front of those cars to block them, holding signs and yelling. Then other protesters persuaded them to stop and let the vehicles pass.
While plenty of protesters still are unhappy that Trump won and would like to find a way to remove him, many others said they were using rallies mostly to send a message that they will fight many of the policies he has proposed — especially those that terrify immigrant and refugee groups.
"I refuse to let hate and bigotry ruin my country," said Heather Wargo of Morgan, one of the protesters.
"I have a son who is gay. I don't want his rights taken away," she said. "We have Mexican grandkids who have family members who possibly could be deported. My husband has cancer, and could lose medical coverage. Trump could wreck this country."
Tammy Stearns, a white woman married to an African-American, said, "This is the first time in 30 years that I have been afraid for my life" because of bigoted comments people now make to her, saying they have been emboldened by Trump's statements.
"We never got that before. People may have thought it. But people would never dare say it out loud. Now people say things out loud that should just not be said."
Her mother, Judy Worthen, said her mixed-race grandchildren cry at night because they are worried now about harassment and threats.
Jordan Viraldo, of Murray, said he attended the march largely to show he stands "with people who are threatened in their peace and rights" — such as his fiancee's parents, who were refugees from Laos.
He held a sign saying "Refugees are welcome," and added, "They are people who are trying to better their lives. Saying they are terrorists, are taking American jobs or want to do you harm is ridiculous and nothing more than bigotry."
Victor Perri held a sign saying he loves his Muslim neighbor, and said his closest friend is Muslim "and the kindest person I know" — not a threat, as Trump has said.
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