An estimated 10% or more of Maynard’s residents gathered for the No Kings demonstration in Memorial Park March 28 to protest the government’s policies on immigration and the war with Iran. This was the largest of the three No Kings demonstrations and were simultaneously happening across the country.

The park was packed with people, many holding signs expressing dislike for the president and some of the administration’s policies. A long line of people faced both Summer and Nason streets, waving to passing cars that mostly honked their pleasure for the demonstration while some expressed their displeasure with the event.

Speakers included state Sen. Jamie Eldridge and state Rep. Kate Hogan, who spoke about actions we can take to support state legislation on community safety; the Rev. Cynthia Landrum and Intern Minister Trek Reef, First Parish Church of Stow and Acton, spoke on their experience meeting with clergy and community in Minneapolis; and Jared and Laurie Berezin, the co-founders of the Bearing Witness standouts at the Burlington ICE Field Office on Wednesdays, spoke about their work. Other speakers were veterans reacting to the war and Indigenous Rights and land use. The Maynard Freedom Singers debuted at the No Kings rally. They formed after a few singers met at the No Kings rally in October. Led by Sally Sweitzer of Maynard, they began meeting weekly with the intention to use music as a force for human connection and peaceful resistance. About 40 people signed up to join the group at the No Kings rally. It is hoped to expand the group as a community choir.

People were asked to bring nonperishable food to the demonstration and 160 pounds of food was collected for the Open Table pantry at the rally. Indivisible Maynard is part of a nationwide coalition of more than 2,500 groups and will be collecting food donations at their regular monthly meetings at the firehouse.

Next up for Indivisible demonstrations are a sign brigade April 16 on Route 117 in Stow between the cemetery and Shaws plaza where people will be spread out 100 feet apart along Route 117 to share a message about what makes for good government. There is also a Monthly Standout Against Authoritarianism the third Saturday of every month, this coming Saturday, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Memorial Park.

If you’re interested in learning more about Indivisible and their work you can contact them at indivisiblemaynard.org.