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Kiyoko Merolli, a first-grader from Takoma Park, Maryland has a slightly different idea than most kids about what makes a fun birthday party.
In honor of turning seven, Kiyoko decided to hold a party with a very special theme: protesting President Trump.
On the day of her party, Kiyoko and many of her young friends gathered outside the White House to spread messages of positivity and to protest the actions of President Trump's administration.
I got to go to the best birthday party today! Thank you to Kiyoko for inviting me to your 7th Birthday Protest Part… https://t.co/sFDiba3k7j— Kate Stewart (she/her) (@Kate Stewart (she/her)) 1573326531.0
Photos, shared online by Takoma Park Mayor Kate Stewart confirmed the party was equal parts adorable and politically active.
The party featured cupcakes with messages like "protect kids, not guns" and "families belong together."
Stewart, who was thrilled to be invited to Kiyoko's party by her parents, said the message of the protest was "about the world we want to create and the one we want to be living in, and about how we can uplift people and be respectful and be kind."
She also added:
"In the context we're living in right now, there is a lot of hurtful and hateful language, and for our young people, I think a lot of us are very afraid of the impact this is having on them."
@KateforTakoma This is a great way to have a party.— Musetrigger [VA/Animator] (@Musetrigger [VA/Animator]) 1573493146.0
With picket messages like "kid power," "love trumps hate," and "black lives matter," it's hard to imagine anyone taking issue with the event.
But conservatives online managed to find a way, somehow seeing the above as attacks on them.
@KateforTakoma Naysayers here probably never imagined their daughters outside of the kitchen with thoughts of their… https://t.co/LGhiaheySn— The Takoma Torch🔥🐓 (@The Takoma Torch🔥🐓) 1573571823.0
@KateforTakoma Their messages seem to be messages of love and tolerance. Apparently that offends some people.— Michael Flint (@Michael Flint) 1573501720.0
When asked if she would like to run for President in 2047, Kiyoko told The Washington Post in no uncertain terms:
"Embarrassing. I do not want to be President."
We're LOVING Kiyoko's 7th birthday party, a "Children’s First Amendment Demonstration to promote kindness and care.… https://t.co/19Po9RTqaW— Children's Defense Fund (@Children's Defense Fund) 1573495510.0
People on Twitter absolutely loved Kiyoko getting involved early with the causes of love and acceptance.
7-year-old Kiyoko originally asked for an impeachment-themed birthday party—the protest party was a compromise ❤️ https://t.co/HTCafjtRpd— Aimee Rawlins (@Aimee Rawlins) 1573405959.0
Best Kid Birthday Party Ever! 🎈 https://t.co/2EV1UmTnXp— Jess (@Jess) 1573484433.0
The event was a huge success, even attracting some strangers who believed in Kiyoko's message!
Thank you to Kiyoko for an amazing birthday party and reminding us all of the importance of free speech and treatin… https://t.co/zJckKVsucL— Kate Stewart (she/her) (@Kate Stewart (she/her)) 1573403541.0
Happy Birthday, Kiyoko, and congratulations on exercising your First Amendment rights!
If there are budding activists in your home or on your gift list, the book You Are Mighty: A Guide to Changing the World is available here.