“Demonstrators gathered across the country on Saturday, many animated by differing issues, but united in opposition to the Trump administration with the single message: “Hands off!”” (quote from Nationwide “Hands Off!” NPR)

Here are a few samples of the plentiful expressive statements and creative designs that characterized this significant event. Link to the quoted Boston Globe and NPR articles for basic background and dramatic photos as well.

“On Saturday, between 25,000 and 30,000 people flowed from Boston Common to City Hall Plaza, according to estimates from the Boston Police Department. The sound of drums echoed through the air and people waved American, Ukrainian, and trans pride flags.” (quote from Boston Globe summary of Rally/March, April 5)

“Despite chilly April temperatures, many came from places outside the city. They flocked from Framingham, Franklin, Gloucester, Plymouth, and beyond, with homemade signs and umbrellas, prepared for a rainy afternoon.” (quote from Boston Globe summary of Rally/March, April 5)

“Mobilized by angst and dissatisfaction over the Trump administration’s handling of the nation, thousands of New Englanders took to Boston, Concord, N.H., and Providence streets in a national day of protest Saturday to chant down the president and his controversial billionaire ally, Elon Musk.” (quote from Boston Globe summary of Rally/March, April 5)

Beneath hands of “The Embrace” by Hank Willis Thomas, people begin to march from Boston Common toward City Hall Plaza. “The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King met in Boston in 1952. The Embrace is a memorial to their love and leadership. Inspired by a photograph of the Kings embracing, it reflects the power of collective action, the role of women in the freedom movement, and the forging of solidarity out of mutual empathy and vulnerability.“( quote from The Embrace Monument Memorial )

“The attendees were students and teachers, union leaders and laborers, first-time protesters and veteran marchers. …. They brought their youngsters in backpacks and strollers. Some brought their pets.” (quote from Boston Globe summary of Rally/March, April 5)

“They rallied against policies including the administration’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; its targeting of gender-affirming care; and its immigration crackdown that has led to the detention of international students, including a Tufts University graduate student. ”(quote from Boston Globe summary of Rally/March, April 5)

“The protestors also spoke out against what they called the administration’s “illegal and unconstitutional power grabs.” (quote from Boston Globe summary of Rally/March, April 5)

“Organizers said more than 1,300 “Hands Off!” rallies of varying sizes took place on Saturday.” (quote from Nationwide “Hands Off!” NPR)

KEY RESOURCES:

Thousands march across New England to protest Trump administration, Elon Musk, Boston Globe, April 5: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/05/metro/trump-musk-protest-boston-rally-hands-off/?p1=Article_Recirc_Most_Popular

The Embrace Memorial, Boston Common: https://www.embraceboston.org/memorial

Nationwide ‘Hands Off!’ protests erupt against Trump and Musk Juliana Kim, NPR April 5, 2025: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/05/nx-s1-5353388/hands-off-protests-washington-dc