The Cambridge Common was alive with energy last Saturday, August 2, as over 100 individuals gathered on the grass to partake in a unique celebration, a festival dedicated to nonviolent resistance.
Dubbed Rage Against the Regime, the event provided a joyful space for those who oppose the current administration, aiming to foster a sense of community during a time when many feel disenfranchised.
Various organizations such as Mass 50501, Act on Mass, and Boston Indivisible participated, engaging attendees in discussions about their ongoing efforts and aspirations.
As articulated by Mass 50501’s website, the festival sought to inspire attendees to “come for the festival, stay for the resistance.”
Around the park’s Civil War Monument, approximately 20 local groups set up booths, each representing different missions aimed at countering actions taken by President Donald Trump’s administration.
These groups ranged from those supporting mutual aid initiatives to those advocating for abortion rights.
Nancy Alach, a designated peacekeeper for the event, remarked on the new approach to activism at the festival, noting, “I think people are kind of tired of showing up for regular rallies with lots of speeches…so this festival atmosphere is totally different than any of the other protests.”
The inclusion of peacekeepers, volunteers tasked with ensuring a nonviolent environment, is a growing trend among protests nationwide.
Artists and performers, including Evan Greer, Ghosts and Shadows, and Kylie Ariel Bemis, captivated the audience with poetry readings and musical performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere that attracted both older attendees and younger teenagers.
Additionally, an ice cream truck offered free treats to the first 1,000 attendees, while art supplies were made available for attendees interested in sign-making.
“It’s uplifting, as opposed to the rage,” said Ruth Pryor, an attendee from western Massachusetts, emphasizing the positive energy the music brought to the event.
This festival marked a departure from the more conventional protests and rallies Boston and Cambridge have seen throughout the summer.
The atmosphere was characterized by smiles over somberness, with signs featuring humor rather than despair, and a palpable sense of hope was present among the crowd.
Alach highlighted the importance of joy in activism, especially when facing the daunting challenges posed by the Trump administration.
She noted, “I think part of what they are doing is trying to make people feel hopeless…doing things that make people feel joyful and connected are super important in helping us stay strong.”
A central installation at the event featured a large board asking, “Why do you resist?” This board quickly filled with sticky notes offering powerful personal testimonies from attendees, such as “for my kids,” “for our beautiful and brilliant immigrants,” and “because I love my country.”
Evan Greer, who identifies as a trans and queer activist, emphasized the necessity of strategic thinking within the movement, stating, “It’s not just about what’s right and what’s wrong, but it’s how do we actually do stuff that matters.”
Education plays a crucial role in effective social movements, as scholars like Tricia Niesz discuss in her work, Education as Social Movement Tactic, Target, Context, and Outcome.
Local initiatives in Massachusetts aim to combat controversial policies, such as increased ICE raids and the removal of “X” gender markers from passports, with the festival serving to raise awareness and empower participants during uncertain political times.
Alach urged attendees to arm themselves with factual information in light of the misleading narratives often propagated by the Trump administration.
“People need to be informed about what is fact,” she stated.
Musical performances were instrumental in promoting the positive and hopeful attitudes of the crowd.
Greer elaborated on the connection between music and activism throughout history, asserting that every effective social movement has incorporated elements of music, dance, culture, and art.
For many attendees, these creative expressions are fundamental to their struggles for democracy, providing empowerment that propels action forward, even amid fears stemming from the current political climate.
Events emphasizing community building and resilience are essential reminders for individuals to continue using their collective voices, according to the participants of the festival.
Greer concluded with an insightful perspective on the healing power of music and art, stating, “I always appreciate an opportunity to use music, not just as a tool to inform people, but also to heal our hearts a little bit.”
The Rage Against the Regime festival, with its blend of joy, education, and art, offered a unique approach to activism, reinforcing the idea that the fight for change does not have to be devoid of hope and community spirit.
image source from：thescopeboston
