Latest news with #NorthamptonResists
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hampshire Pride Parade and Festival held in Northampton
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – The city of Northampton celebrated Pride early this first Pride march in Northampton began in 1982. After not having an event since before the COVID-19 pandemic, three people felt the calling to bring it back in 2023, calling it the Hampshire Pride Parade and Festival. Hundreds attend 'Walk MS: Longmeadow' to raise funds and awareness Hampshire Pride is committed to creating a space where people of all genders, races, and ages can come together in a day of joy. But in recent years, there have been political attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. That's when members of Northampton Resists stepped in to host rallies against the current administration. 'When Trump was inaugurated, I couldn't sleep, I just wanted to do something,' said Mary Wang-Boucher, member of Northampton Resists. 'And Carla and I and a couple of other people pulled together a rally in front of City Hall in like four days. And then we did another one with Senator Markey, and it was like 800 people, and we did another one a couple weeks ago, and we were asked to do this one.' As the marchers filled Sheldon Field, they made their way to Route 9 and Main Street's downtown area. The parade dispersed at the end of Crafts Avenue into a festival with vendors alongside a stage with activists and drag performers. Many people said they see this year's celebration as a way to be more intentional in coming together as one. 'I just really needed something positive in my life right now,' said Chris Baxter of Amherst. 'You know, it's springtime, and I just want to be around joyous people.' The Western Massachusetts chapter of Parasol Patrol was there to make sure everyone was enjoying the day. 'We use our rainbow umbrellas to make sure people are seeing love and colors and rainbows and not hate,' said Ali Wicks-Lim, organizer of the Parasol Patrol. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
U.S. Senator Ed Markey attended ‘Indivisible Rally' in Northampton
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – U.S. Senator Ed Markey and multiple state officials attended a rally in Northampton Saturday afternoon in support of several causes. The Indivisible Rally, hosted by Northampton Resists, was held at Pulaski Park. Many local groups spoke about their concerns since the Trump administration took office in January, offering more concrete and local calls to action. Celebrity bartending event in Springfield raises funds for homeless women Speakers in attendance represented community groups such as Translate Gender, Jewish Family Services of Western MA, and the Amherst Young Feminists. 22News spoke with the event organizer about how voices coming together can make a collective difference. 'There are so many things to be angry about,' said Mary Wang-Boucher, Northampton Resists event organizer. 'Just pick one thing, one action. And you watch the news, and there are many people protesting. That one thing will become a million things, and we are strong together.' Senator Markey's speech was met with support from the hundreds of attendees at the rally. Markey then headed to the city of Pittsfield for the 'No Kings in America Rally for Democracy' at the Colonial Theatre. The event was sponsored by the Four Freedoms Coalition led by Berkshire Democratic Brigades and the Rural Freedom Network. This rally spoke on topics of how America was made and its need for defense against the Trump administration. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
