Sunday's March to Save Democracy

"Our democracy depends on all of us making the decision that we will fight for her every single day," said Senator Tiara Mack.

“In reflecting on the trajectory of America over the past six months, we cannot deny the seismic shifts that have unsettled the very fabric of our communities,” said Indivisible RI organizer Lev Poplow from the steps of the Rhode Island State House. “Instead of tranquility, the prevailing sentiment is one of a new normal. Our collective conscience is now entangled in the battle for truth and freedom in the face of oppression that threatens the very essence of our humanity. Together, we marched in solidarity, bound by a shared vision of a world where fear holds no dominion and the collective power of community prevails.

“Let us not falter in the face of adversity, but instead, fortify our spirits and hearts with the knowledge that through unity and perseverance, we shall overcome,” continued Poplow. “That’s right. This fight is just beginning. The road ahead will be fraught with challenges, but as a resilient community, we will weather the storm and emerge stronger, more compassionate, and more united than ever.”

Over 400 people were gathered on the south lawn of the State House, most having marched from Kennedy Plaza carrying signs and marching to the music of the Extraordinary Rendition Band. The event, happening in cities across the nation, is in response to the passage of the Trump Administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill” which Indivisible has called “anti-democratic” and “will cause deep and lasting harm to millions of Americans.” Despite overwhelming public opposition, writes Indivisible RI, this legislation threatens to gut essential social programs, dismantle scientific progress, and escalate authoritarian enforcement.

At the State House, Poplow introduced the speaking program,¹ which included State Senator Tiara Mack. Here’s the video:

“Hello, beautiful and courageous people,” said State Senator Tiara Mack. “Today is a day to march to save our democracy, and no matter how many people stand beside us under the shade or on the streets, we know that we are stronger in numbers. Our democracy depends on all of us making the decision that we will fight for her every single day.

Senator Mack continued:

“One of the communities under attack is migrants from far lands or near lands, and one of the people under attack is our trans community. One of the people under attack is our LGBTQ+ community, or women and women’s rights, or children, or the people who rely on SNAP and Medicaid benefits to make ends meet. That is who we fight for every day, and we decide to use our voices because the most powerful tool to protect democracy is us.

“When we talk about standing up and protecting democracy, we’re talking about limiting the impacts of authoritarianism. Before this most recent regime, someone outlined the 10 steps for authoritarianism to enter our communities: discredit our courts; sow seeds of confusion and doubt through misinformation campaigns; make communities believe that they are siloed, that they are alone; and take away the resources that keep our communities alive and well. We’ve seen the playbook.

“One of my favorite political leaders, Stacey Abrams, said, ‘We’re at about step seven right now,’ but it is not irreversible. We can turn back the tide of authoritarianism because our fight is to make sure that democracy continues to thrive, whether it’s here or in other countries. And for too long, so many other countries have shown us the way, whether it was in the Philippines, where they had the rise of a corrupt government, and people banded together. It wasn’t everyone. It wasn’t the majority. It was 3.5% of the population.

“Erica Chenoweth said, after studying hundreds of peaceful protest movements, that all that is required to turn back authoritarian power grabs is 3.5% of the population believing - knowing - that it is worth fighting to regain our democracy. And what made that statement more powerful is, of all of those hundreds of protests led by people, all were nonviolent. We’ve heard from movements, whether it’s following the Martin Luther King Civil Rights Movement, or Mahatma Gandhi, or other peaceful protests across the country, we know that the power of people taking a stand in all of our communities.

“When I think about the fight to protect women’s rights and protecting children and families, I think about the work of abortion funds. As someone who’s worked in Rhode Island with the Rhode Island Abortion Fund for over 10 years now, I know that when we come together, even if our government doesn’t protect us, our neighbors come together and say that every dollar we raise is going to make sure that someone in my state has access to healthcare because that is essential for their families.

“When we fund our food systems at the Rhode Island Food Bank, and make sure that our neighbors have food, that is people coming together and saying that our democracy, even when it fails the most vulnerable people, even when it threatens to take away the rights and access for every person - neighbors, friends, and community members come together and say that this is our right, this is our community.

“We will protect it through mutual aid and community. When I think of the work that we have, I think about hope. Whether it’s the work of Clinica Esperanza, Esperanza is hope. Our state motto here in Rhode Island is ‘Hope.’ It’s anchored in the belief that real people come together every day and make hope a reality through action.

“Hope is not passive. Democracy is not passive. These are the things that keep us grounded, every day, to make this a better world, because a better world is possible if enough people believe a better world is possible, if enough people act. When I think about the optimism, that we are not in an irreversible authoritarian grab, we are in the critical moment where 3.5% of the population can come together and say: "It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. All we have to lose is our chains."

“Those are the words of Assata Shakur that always comfort me in any fight and protest. It’s a rallying cry.

“‘It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. It’s our duty to change. We must love each other and support each other. All we have to lose is our chains.’

“We know that when the other side goes low, we go organized, and while the sun is beaming down on us today, I see a bunch of people who decided to make the step to organize. Today, I want you to make that step in your communities, whether it is in an email letter, a neighborhood action, feeding our unhoused neighbors, donating to places like the Rhode Island Abortion Fund, or donating to the Rhode Island Food Bank.

“That is a decision. That is a choice. And that is your beautiful, bold, audacious optimism that our country, our democracy, is worth saving. And you, every single day, are part of making that overturn a reality. So, thank you all for being here. Stay cool. Stay in the shade, and thank you for being part of that 3.5%.”

1. Links to the speakers:

The Raging Grannies

Dr. Michael Fine

Mark Binder

Lev Poplow

Senator Tiara Mack

Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser