Press Releases
Media contact: press@mass50501.org
MASS 50501 TO “RAGE AGAINST THE REGIME” ON AUG 2
ANNOUNCES FESTIVAL OF NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE
We’ve marched. We’ve rallied. We’ve protested. Now we are stepping up our game. As a fascist regime attempts to crush our freedoms, we are mobilizing in disciplined rage to resist. On August 2, Mass 50501 is staging a festival of nonviolent resistance—with art, live music, education (and ice cream).
ANNOUNCES FESTIVAL OF NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE
What: We’ve marched. We’ve rallied. We’ve protested. Now we are stepping up our game. As a fascist regime attempts to crush our freedoms, we are mobilizing in disciplined rage to resist. On August 2, Mass 50501 is staging a festival of nonviolent resistance—with art, live music, education (and ice cream). The goal is to build and strengthen the community networks we will all need to channel our rage at the lawless rule of the Trump regime into nonviolent action. Attendees will connect with local groups doing vital community work—from organizing mutual aid to fighting for immigrants’ rights—and learn about the power of boycotts and other tactics of economic noncooperation. This is one of dozens of Rage Against the Regime actions planned across all 50 states, organized by chapters of the 50501 movement.
When: Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 12-4 pm
Where: Cambridge Common, Harvard Square, MA
Performers:
Ghosts & Shadows (music)
Evan Greer (music)
Kayla Isaac (music)
Sad Brad Smith (music)
Grace Danqing Yang (dance/poetry)
Kylie Ariel Bemis (poetry)
Good Trouble Brass Band (music)
Topher (poetry)
Educational Groups
Jeff Keller, Thomas Michel
Tim the Sign Guy
MuckRock
Mutual Aid & Community Groups
Why: The White House is occupied by a would-be king while Congress and the Courts have abdicated their duty. The regime has fired hundreds of thousands of federal workers; it has taken vital healthcare and food assistance programs from millions of poor and working Americans; it has sent swarms of ICE agents into our cities to steal our neighbors off our streets.
Yet the spirit of America lives on in its people. We are rising up in a wave of nonviolent resistance to make clear: we will not comply, we will not be silent, and we will not stand down. We are coming together to protect our neighbors from terror, to fight for our constitutional rights, and to resist the lawless rule of the Trump regime.
It’s time to stop giving our money to the oligarchs that support the regime by undertaking a practice of voluntary austerity now to avoid forced austerity forever.
It’s time to channel our rage not only into resistance but also mutual aid to our neighbors who have been abused and forsaken by the regime, and start building our own dream of a better America in our own communities.
It’s time to prepare for the long struggle against the regime now by speaking up, speaking out, and getting in the way. If the regime hurts us, then we must use our voices and our wallets to make sure the regime hurts with us.
Who: The Rage Against the Regime: Festival of Nonviolent Resistance is organized by Mass 50501, a cross-partisan group that strives to unite the people of Massachusetts to defend our rights, liberties, and democracy, to uphold the constitutional rule of law, and to stand against tyranny in all its forms.
Event sign-up: https://www.mobilize.us/mass50501/event/817192/
To stay updated:https://www.mass50501.org/join-us
Media contact:
Samantha McGarry
mcgarry.samantha@gmail.com
508.395.3401
Good Trouble Lives On
Boston “Good Trouble” March & Rally
On the anniversary of the passing of civil rights icon John Lewis, July 17, we will make “good trouble” to protect our civil rights and free and fair elections.
Boston “Good Trouble Lives On” March & Rally on July 17 to Honor the Legacy of Congressman John Lewis and Oppose Trump’s Authoritarianism
What: A march and rally for democracy and freedom to honor the legacy of Civil Rights icon and former Congressman John Lewis, and stand up against the authoritarian excesses of the Trump administration. This event is part of the “Good Trouble Lives On” nationwide day of peaceful, nonviolent action inspired by John Lewis’ call to make “good trouble, necessary trouble.” Attendees are encouraged to bring signs showing support for workers, voting rights, free and fair elections, the civil rights of our Black, Indigenous, immigrant, LGBTQIA and transgender communities, the end of ICE raids, and opposition to the would-be king!
When and where: The July 17 march departs Copley Square at 5pm; the rally starts at 6pm at the Liberty Mall on Boston Common (across from the State House).
Speakers will include:
MC: Andrea Lyman, Local President, SAG-AFTRA New England
Rev. Kevin C. Peterson, founder and executive director of The New Democracy Coalition
Darlene Lombos, President and Principal Officer, Greater Boston Labor Council
John Gibbons, Community Minister of Good Trouble, Arlington Street Church
Traci Griffith, Director, Racial Justice Program, ACLU-MA
And, as in the Civil Rights Movement, music will play a role: B-VOCAL and the Good Trouble Brass Band will be featured to entertain, engage and inspire our fight for freedom, equality, and justice for all.
Why: 60 years ago, in the wake of the brutal violence of “Bloody Sunday,” President Johnson federalized the National Guard to protect the first amendment rights of thousands of activists marching from Selma to Montgomery for the right to vote. Now, a President who sees himself as America’s “king” is federalizing the National Guard to prevent peaceful protestors from exercising their first amendment rights. Our rights and democracy are under attack. On July 17th, the anniversary of John Lewis’ passing, we will honor his legacy by making “Good Trouble” to protect our civil rights and free and fair elections once again.
We demand:
That Congress protects the right to vote and free and fair elections by passing the John Lewis Rights Advancement Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, and the Native American Voting Rights Act.
An end to the attacks on Black, Brown, and Indigenous Americans, immigrants, transgender people, and other vulnerable communities, including—but not limited to—the immediate withdrawal of masked ICE agents and federal troops from American cities and towns.
An end to the defunding of federal programs that poor and working people rely on, including—but not limited to—Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security.
The restoration of funding and rebuilding of federal agencies that have been unlawfully defunded or dismantled without Congressional approval. Stand with workers - stop the firing of federal employees.
An end to the lawless and unconstitutional behavior of the current President of the United States, who has previously attempted to illegally and violently overturn the results of a free and fair election, and must be prevented from doing so again.
Event RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/john-lewis-actions/event/808583/
Who: The Boston “Good Trouble Lives On” march and rally is organized by a coalition including ACLU-MA, Boston Indivisible, Embrace Boston, Good Trouble Brass Band, Indivisible Mass Coalition, Indivisible Somerville, Mass 50501, Mass AFL-CIO, Swing Blue Alliance, The New Democracy Coalition, and UU Mass Action.
Media contact:
Samantha McGarry
mcgarry.samantha@gmail.com
508.395.3401
Mobilization in Solidarity with Union Leaders
Mass 50501 vigorously condemns the violent actions of ICE and the Trump administration against peaceful protestors in Los Angeles and is mobilizing in solidarity with local union leaders here in Massachusetts.
A rally is scheduled for Monday June 9, 2-3pm at Boston City Hall, Circle Plaza (aka Neighborhood Circle Plaza), Boston.
Mass 50501 Calls for Mobilization in Solidarity with Union Leaders in Response to ICE Raids and National Guard Deployment in Los Angeles
BOSTON, MA, June 8, 2025 — Mass 50501 vigorously condemns the violent actions of ICE and the Trump administration against peaceful protestors in Los Angeles and is mobilizing in solidarity with local union leaders here in Massachusetts.
A rally is scheduled for Monday June 9, 2-3pm at Boston City Hall, Circle Plaza (aka Neighborhood Circle Plaza), Boston.
On June 6, aggressive ICE raids swept through Los Angeles, detaining at least 44 people—many with deep ties to their neighborhoods, schools, and places of work. Protests erupted across the city, as outraged residents took to the streets. At a protest outside the LA ICE detention center, SEIU-USWW President David Huerta, who was observing and documenting ICE activities, was attacked and injured by federal agents who then arrested him.
“This is an attack on American liberty,” said Mass 50501 Council member Kylie Bemis. “The right to freedom of speech and due process of the law must be protected above all else, and the response by the Trump administration is tantamount to a declaration of war against the American people. Make no mistake—we will be peaceful, but we will not be quiet. They will hear us from Los Angeles. They will hear us from Washington, DC. Mass 50501 will stand in solidarity with SEIU.”
Mass 50501 is calling for the release of all Los Angeles protestors, including SEIU President David Huerta.
Representing hundreds of thousands of workers across the state, SEIU issued a statement condemning the federal government’s actions as “a coordinated attack on democracy, labor, and immigrant justice.” Later that day SEIU, CHIRLA, 50501 SoCal, Union del Barrio and more gathered together to protest not only the ICE raids but also the brutalization of a union leader.
Federal agents have responded with massively disproportionate force and violence, including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, flash-bang grenades, and rubber bullets against legal observers and journalists in addition to protestors. President Trump has now deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles against Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has furthermore threatened to mobilize active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton in response to continued protests.
About Mass 50501
Mass 50501 is a cross-partisan group that strives to unite the people of Massachusetts to defend our rights, liberties, and democracy, to uphold the constitutional rule of law, and to stand against tyranny in all its forms. To stay updated, visit https://www.mass50501.org/join-us
No Kings on D-Day
Mass 50501 to host “No Kings on D-Day” event on June 6th in Boston to honor veterans, protest the tyranny of a would-be king, and to honor the sacrifice of the brave soldiers who fought and died for the democracy we must continue to protect.
Mass 50501 to host “No Kings on D-Day” Event on June 6 in Boston to Honor Veterans
What: An event to recognize our heroes in uniform, past and present. All patriotic people of Massachusetts are invited to assemble on Boston Common with veterans to protest the tyranny of a would-be king and to honor the sacrifice of the brave soldiers who fought and died for the democracy we must continue to protect. This will be both a protest and a solemn event of remembrance, including veteran speakers, a wreath laying ceremony and patriotic music. Flags are welcome, but please leave protest signs at home. This event is one of many D-Day Anniversary events being held nationwide, organized by 50501 Veterans.
When: June 6th, 2025—the Anniversary of D-Day—from 5pm to 7pm.
Where: Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common.
Current confirmed speakers:
Brigadier General Shawn Harris, U.S. Army (Ret.), Congressional Candidate, Georgia
Brigadier General Paul G. Smith, Massachusetts National Guard (Ret.), Professor, Nichols College
Lieutenant Colonel John Paradis, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), Vote Vets; Common Defense
Sergeant Henry DeLima (Ret.), Political Coordinator, 1199SEIU Massachusetts
Sergeant First Class John Moses, U.S. Army (Ret.), Massachusetts Afghan Alliance; Hoover Fellow
Tom Krpata, U.S. Navy Veteran, IT Professional, Entrepreneur
Riki Flagg, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Historic Worcester military family
Neil Gordon, U.S. Navy (Vietnam Vet), Small Business Owner, Brookline City Councilmen
Sergeant Bryan C. Winter, U.S. Army (Ret.), Program Director, 50501; Veterans Representative
Why: Throughout American history, the patriots of our armed services have risen to defend democracy and freedom during extraordinary crises. American patriots now face the crisis of our time: a traitor in the White House. The current President of the United States has brought dishonor to America, has disrespected and abused the veterans who swore an oath to defend the Constitution, has violated his own oath of office, has allied himself with cruel dictators, has acted at every opportunity as an undemocratic tyrant, and is therefore unfit to be the president of a free people. It’s time to reaffirm our support for our allies, and recommit ourselves to the principles that have governed the nation and its military for centuries. We will remind the people that veterans and active duty military personnel are sworn to protect the nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This administration does not honor veterans but we will.
Who: The “No Kings on D-Day” event is organized by Mass 50501, a cross-partisan group that strives to unite the people of Massachusetts to defend our rights, liberties, and democracy, to uphold the constitutional rule of law, and to stand against tyranny in all its forms. To stay updated, visit https://www.mass50501.org/join-us
Media contact:
Samantha McGarry
mcgarry.samantha@gmail.com
508.395.3401
Boston “Hands Off!” Rally and March on April 5th
On April 5, Senator Markey and advocacy leaders will join thousands protesting the Trump/Musk assault on democracy.
When: Saturday, April 5, 2025: The march starts at 11 am ET; the speaking program starts at 12:30 pm ET.
Where: The march begins at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common, and ends with a rally and speaking program at City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square.
What: On April 5, national and local organizations are coming together across the country for Hands Off! a peaceful mass activation in defiance of the Trump-Musk billionaire takeover and the Republican assault on our freedoms and our communities. This is an all-in moment for the pro-worker, pro-constitutional rule of law, and pro-democracy movements.
In Boston, Senator Ed Markey, along with Jessica Tang, President AFT-MA, Carol Rose, President ACLU-MA, and Chastity Bowick, Founder of Trans Resistance will join thousands of concerned citizens from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. More speakers will be announced in the coming days.
According to the organizers of Boston’s Hands Off!:
“On April 5, We the People of Massachusetts will march in Boston. Because we will always be a sanctuary against tyranny. Because we will protect our neighbors, no matter where they were born or their race or gender or sexuality. Because we will never bow to tyrant kings or fascism. Because in the words of Boston’s mayor: “If you come for one of us, you will get all of us.” On April 5, We the People of Massachusetts will come together to tell the corrupt, cruel, chaotic tyrants in DC: Hands Off Boston! Hands Off Massachusetts! Because ‘We the People’ means everyone, and Massachusetts is fighting back.”
Who: Boston’s Hands Off! is organized by the Indivisible Mass Coalition, Mass 50501, Swing Blue Alliance, and UU Mass Action, and a growing list of co-sponsor organizations representing many groups, causes, and communities from across the Commonwealth.
Media contact:
Samantha McGarry
mcgarry.samantha@gmail.com
508.395.3401