PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Heidi Bethancourt of Lynn holds a sign protesting President Donald Trump during a rally on the steps of City Hall Friday night.
BY ADAM SWIFT
LYNN — Lynn says no to Trump.
Or at least that was the message unfurled on a banner in front of City Hall Friday night, as about 50 people gathered to protest the policies of the newly inaugurated president.
The event was organized by Lynn United for Change, and for many who attended, the evening was an opportunity to let the incoming administration know that their voices will be heard.
“I am here to support my community,” said Eliud Alcala, who was holding up one end of the Lynn Says No to Trump banner. “We need to hold (Trump) accountable.”
Alcala was one of a number of those who spoke against Trump’s proposed immigration policies, which he said are an insult to all who have, or have had friends, family and ancestors who have immigrated to the United States.
Others on the City Hall steps held smaller signs supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and offering sentiments such as “the election is over, but the struggle continues.”
Paula Phipps and Julie Letourneau said they felt compelled to come to the Lynn United for Change event because they are part of the community.
“We want to do something to be proactive and show our support,” said Phipps.
Letourneau said turning out to have her voice heard on inauguration day felt more productive than staying home and being silent.
In addition to the signs, there were several short speeches from members of Lynn United for Change, as well as some sporadic chants of “what do we do when Trump attacks? We stand up and fight back.”
Isaac Simon Hodes of Lynn United for Change said he understood that Friday was a tough day for many of those who oppose Trump and his policies.
“We also know from experience that we don’t mourn, we organize,” said Hodes, who noted that Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy has been public about her support of Trump. “We want to show the mayor that she does not speak for the people of Lynn.”
Ella Thomas of Lynn United for Change said that no victories gained through political struggle or protest happened overnight.
“We have a way to go, but we know we can do it,” said Thomas.
While there were several people walking near City Hall voicing their support for Trump, there were a number of others who offered honks and words of encouragement as they drove by.
“I love you guys,” shouted one woman. “(Expletive) Trump.”