About 150 residents carrying flickering lights processed from Old Town House to Memorial Park Tuesday evening, joining thousands nationwide in a demonstration supporting democratic principles during President Donald Trump’s address to Congress.
The local “Light For Our Democracy” event, organized by the League of Women Voters of Marblehead, brought together people worried about what they see as threats to democratic institutions and government services.
A national call for democracy
“At this very hour during the president’s address to Congress, leagues from across the nation are holding their own programs,” said Mimi Hollister, addressing the crowd gathered at Memorial Park. “Leagues in Hartford, Chicago, Louisiana, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Missouri and so many more. This event joins us all to demonstrate our support of our democracy and in opposition to our country’s developing constitutional crisis.”
The candlelit crowd formed rows deep in front of the park’s obelisk as organizers led a series of readings, reflections and interactive exercises expressing democratic values.
Kathleen Leonardson, co-coordinator of the event, said the national League of Women Voters encouraged local chapters to organize demonstrations.
“Everybody’s really concerned with the direction it’s going,” Leonardson said. “I mean, I can’t really speak for the league, except that there is, you know, maybe a constitutional crisis. Nothing’s getting resolved. It just goes on and on and on.”
In one powerful moment, participants took turns declaring “I rise to stand against” or “I rise for,” followed by causes they supported.
Rising for change
“I rise to stand against the weaponization of the justice system and its capricious application of the rule of law,” one participant called out.
Others followed: “I rise for the arts and free speech,” “I rise for the people who are suffering in Ukraine and in Gaza,” and “I rise for our constitutional right to stand here in protest.”
At one point, a man shouted, said “We got rid of a king 250 years ago,” sparking a brief chant of “No king! No king!”
The gathering included a moment of silent reflection before participants shared readings, including excerpts from Emma Lazarus’ poem on the Statue of Liberty.
Attendees expressed varied motivations for participating, with many citing concerns about threats to democratic institutions and a desire for community during an uncertain time.
“It’s important to not feel alone,” said Zoe Culbertson, who attended with her 10-year-old son. “It’s such a time of helplessness, so it’s nice to be able to do something. Even if that’s not making a huge change, it’s almost like mental health, emotional support.”
Her friend, Pedro Poitevin, emphasized the importance of grassroots organizing: “It’s very important to get in touch with like-minded people so that you can organize. Because organizing from the grassroots level is what can actually bring up some pressure and some change.”
When asked what democracy means to them, Culbertson replied, “Having your voice be heard,” while Poitevin mentioned “free and fair elections.”
He expanded, saying democracy happens “when people are heard as a people, when you have some voice in the community, and that voice is not construed as antagonistic just from the outside. We can have disagreements in a peaceful and fruitful way.”
The event attracted participants of various ages, including teenagers who expressed their commitment to preserving democratic values.
“I think that there’s a lot of politics going on right now, and a lot of times it can be hard to tell what is important,” said 15-year-old August. “But in the end, we are living in a democracy, and we want to keep that democracy.”
His 14-year-old cousin, Maya, added, “We’re going to eventually be in charge, so we should try to help make it a better place.”
Defining democracy
Nancy Powell, a league member, defined democracy as encompassing “free speech, rule of law, voting rights, equal rights” and the principle that “all people are created equal.”
Despite concerns, Powell expressed optimism: “I also feel as though the people are starting to rise up, and I do feel the tide is turning.”
Leonardson connected the event to Marblehead’s historical significance: “This is the home of the ‘Spirit of ’76.’ We know what democracy is. The people that founded it fought for it, and we’re trying to carry that.”
She referenced her personal connection to democratic values through family history: “My mother and my father both fought in Italy in World War II. And I have an aunt that just passed away. She was in the Navy. These people fought against fascism and totalitarianism.”
As the evening concluded, participants expressed hope that their small-town action would contribute to a larger movement
“The town really cares. The town runs on volunteers,” Leonardson said. “It just seems to many of us that there are a lot of people that are very, very upset. They want to do something.”
Though some questioned whether such demonstrations could truly make a difference, Poitevin suggested their value: “I think that these small events may help people at least get together and form those scripts of influence.”
As lights flickered in the darkness around Memorial Park, Hollister summarized the evening’s symbolism: “These candles, these lights represent our hope, our prayer for democracy to continue to light the world — a beacon for freedom, justice and liberty for all, a place to celebrate and defend freedom for all people.”
