What protesters said and why they showed up

Local News

Demonstrators filled Boston Common Saturday for the nationwide “No Kings” protests, sharing their concerns about democracy and the direction of the country.

Bostonians came out en masse for Saturday’s “No Kings” event, which organizers estimated would have over 100,000 people in attendance. The warm weather and blue skies set a perfect backdrop for the crowds, filled with punny signs, creative costumes and fervent chants. The event began around noon and lasted until 3 p.m.

Hundreds of “No Kings” marches spread across the state of Massachusetts, along with thousands more across the country. Protesters marched against what they call rising authoritarianism in the country. 

The event, organized by a coalition of groups including Indivisible Massachusetts, Mass 50501, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, kicked off with musical performances from the Good Trouble Brass Band and BVocal Chorus, before a speech from Mayor Michelle Wu. 

Mayor Michelle Wu: ‘Boston doesn’t back down’

Wu, initially interrupted by counter protesters, responded “This is Boston, where every voice is heard.”

“In this city on a hill, in this city of champions, in this city of immigrants and workers, in this hub of the universe and cradle of liberty, for the last 250 years and counting in Boston every day is ‘No Kings’ Day,” Wu said.

“We are here today in America’s first public park, where Bostonians came together 400 years ago to protect common space for the common good. Generations have rallied and marched and come together to move our country forward.”

“We stand here on Boston Common, where 60 years ago, a different kind of king, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led 20,000 people for Roxbury down Columbus Ave to call for equal rights for all our neighbors. And we stand here today to tell the Trump Administration when it comes to our freedoms, when it comes to our families, Boston doesn’t back down,” she said.

‘Our history is important for people to understand’

Protestors dressed as dinosaurs, Boston historical figures and in full Dunkin’ attire. Many carried sign with puns calling out Immigration Customs Enforcement or the Boston Tea Party.

Eileen Ryan, dressed as Betsy Ross, and Guy Holt showed up to “join with other people in community and try to use our rights, our First Amendment [right].” Ryan leads history tours of Boston and Holt’s ancestor, who he was dressed as, is Timothy Matlack, the calligrapher of the Declaration of Independence. “I feel like our history is important for people to understand,” Ryan said. As for protests against Trump, Ryan has been at “every one.”

The “No Kings” coalition was also behind organizing the June 14 protests, held across the country in response to President Donald Trump’s military parade to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary and his 79th birthday. 

The crowd on Saturday sang along to musicians and echoed chants of “I believe that we will win.”

“It’s really nice to be out here and see all the families bringing their kids and dogs. Such a wonderful crowd standing up for democracy,” said Mike Davis. He was dressed in full Dunkin’ attire with a sign reading “America Runs on Coffee, Not Tea,” because he said, “It’s Boston.”

‘We’re here to just add more people to this demonstration’

Gary Reitz marched with a Sesame Street sign that used the numbers 86 and 47 to indicate he wants to get rid of Trump. He was attending the protest with his wife, “We’re here to just add more people to this demonstration and show the other guys they are not appreciated.”

Shannon Heaton came bearing a butterfly sign that read “Real Monarchs [love] Mexico.” “I’m here to represent my neighbors most of all and the air that we breathe,” she said. 

‘I’m here to represent my neighbors’

‘We need to fight for our rights and remain a free country’

Amy Dopp, carried a sign from The Handmaid’s Tale, meaning, “Don’t let the ba****ds grind you down,” she said. “I’m here today because democracy is what this country is based on and we need to fight for our rights and remain a free country.”