In recent months, Boston has become a focal point for those protesting against the controversial actions and policies of President Donald Trump’s second administration. The streets have been filled with passionate voices demanding change, and on Saturday, April 5, an even bigger gathering is expected. Thousands of people are set to converge on Boston Common for a large-scale demonstration that will not only stand in opposition to the Trump administration but also take a firm stance against Elon Musk’s growing influence within the executive branch. The upcoming rally is part of a nationwide day of action, known as the “Hands Off” anti-Trump protests, designed to unite citizens in defiance of what they see as a billionaire-driven takeover of government and society.
This peaceful mass activation aims to send a clear message: it’s time to fight back against the threats posed to freedom and democracy by the Trump-Musk alliance and the Republican agenda. Organizers have described the event as an all-in moment for those who stand firm for workers' rights, constitutional rule of law, and democratic values. The excitement is palpable as over 5,000 people have already RSVP’d for this major rally, with more expected to join as buses from across Massachusetts and New Hampshire make their way to the event.
As the hours draw closer to the big day, here’s everything you need to know about the protest that’s set to unfold in Boston.
The Heart of the Action: Where & When
The rally is set to begin at 11 a.m. sharp on Boston Common, a historic site in the heart of the city. The Parkman Bandstand will serve as the kickoff point, where Chrissy Lynch, the president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, will deliver an opening address. Her words will set the tone for the march that follows, calling on attendees to come together for a peaceful demonstration that challenges the current administration's policies.
After Lynch’s speech, Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey will take the lead, guiding the crowd on a march to City Hall Plaza, where additional speeches and performances are expected to take place around 12:30 p.m. The protest will be more than just a rally—it’s a collective action that will see thousands of voices united, marching through the streets of Boston to make their demands clear. The event promises to be an important moment in the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, with people from all walks of life joining together in solidarity.
Meet the Organizers: United for a Cause
This protest is not the work of a single group; it’s a collaboration among several grassroots organizations who are uniting their efforts for a common cause. The primary organizers of the Boston rally include Indivisible Mass Coalition, Mass 50501, Swing Blue Alliance, and UU Mass Action. These groups have come together to create a platform for Massachusetts residents to make their voices heard and stand up against what they consider a corrupt and oppressive government.
“We the People of Massachusetts will march in Boston,” the organizers proclaimed in a press release. “Because we will always be a sanctuary against tyranny. Because we will protect our neighbors, no matter where they were born or their race, gender, or sexuality. Because we will never bow to tyrant kings or fascism.” This message encapsulates the heart of the protest—fighting for the protection of rights and freedoms for all people, regardless of their background or identity.
The rally draws inspiration from Boston’s long history of activism and resistance. In a recent state of the city address, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu echoed the protest’s sentiments, reinforcing the idea that Bostonians will stand firm against any threats to their neighbors or communities. "If you come for one of us, you will get all of us," she boldly declared, a statement that has resonated deeply with the organizers and supporters of this event.
Powerful Voices: Who Will Be Speaking
The April 5 protest promises to feature an impressive lineup of speakers who will lend their voices to the cause. The event will be emceed by Jean-Luc Pierite, president of the North American Indian Center in Boston, who will help lead the crowd through a series of speeches and performances. Pierite’s leadership and commitment to social justice will ensure that the message remains focused and impactful.
One of the most highly anticipated moments of the event is the speech by Senator Ed Markey, a long-time advocate for progressive causes in Massachusetts. His leadership on issues like climate change, social justice, and healthcare reform has made him a champion of the people, and his presence at the rally signals the importance of standing up to the current administration.
Alongside Markey, other influential figures will address the crowd, including Chrissy Lynch, the president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, who has been a fierce advocate for workers' rights throughout her career. Carol Rose, the executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, will also speak, bringing her wealth of experience in fighting for civil liberties and human rights. These speakers, along with many others, will inspire those in attendance to stay steadfast in their fight for justice and equality.
Among the diverse voices featured at the rally, Jaya Savita, director of the Asian Pacific Islander’s Civic Action Network, will speak out on behalf of marginalized communities, while Kylie Ariel Bemis, a professor at Northeastern University and advocate with the nonprofit Rising Hearts, will address the intersectionality of activism. Chastity Bowick, founder of Trans Resistance, will bring a vital perspective to the rally, advocating for trans rights and visibility. Each of these speakers adds a unique and powerful voice to the protest, highlighting the diverse range of issues at play and the solidarity that exists across movements.
A Special Acoustic Performance: A Musical Element
In addition to the powerful speeches, the rally will feature a special acoustic performance by the Dropkick Murphys, a band with deep ties to Boston’s working-class roots and a history of supporting social causes. Their music will serve as both an energizing and unifying force, adding to the event’s festive yet serious atmosphere.
The combination of speeches and music is designed to create an environment that fosters both reflection and action. It’s a celebration of activism, a call to arms, and a moment for Boston to stand united in the face of what many see as a dangerous political shift.
A Nationwide Movement: More Than Just Boston
While the Boston protest is expected to be one of the largest, it is far from the only one. The “Hands Off” rallies are planned in cities across the nation, all taking place on the same day in a coordinated effort to show the Trump administration—and those who support its billionaire-backed agenda—that the American people will not be silenced. From coast to coast, people will come together to resist what they see as an assault on their rights, their communities, and their democracy.
The message is clear: this is not just about one city or one rally. It’s a nationwide movement that seeks to challenge the status quo and stand up for the values that make America strong—freedom, equality, and the right to live without fear of oppression. Whether in Boston, New York, Los Angeles, or anywhere in between, these protests will send a resounding message to Washington and beyond.
Conclusion: Why It Matters
As the April 5 protest draws nearer, it is clear that this event will be a defining moment in the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. It’s an opportunity for the people of Boston, and indeed the people of America, to come together and make their voices heard. Whether through powerful speeches, the energy of the crowd, or the music of the Dropkick Murphys, this rally will send a clear message: we will not stand idly by as our freedoms are threatened.
The protest is not just a demonstration—it’s a statement of unity, a call for action, and a reminder that democracy is something worth fighting for. It is a movement that transcends political lines, uniting people from all walks of life in the shared belief that we can and must do better. So, on April 5, as thousands gather on Boston Common, the eyes of the nation will be on them, ready to watch as a powerful message is delivered loud and clear.
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