An estimated 1,500 protesters and demonstrators convened at Central Square in Keene to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Saturday, April 5. This was part of a larger national protest, the Hands Off! National Day of Action, which saw more than 1,000 protests in all 50 states, according to Forbes magazine.
Protesters shared a theme of disapproval toward the Trump administration and Elon Musk, particularly Musk’s role as de facto head of the controversial Department of Government Efficiency. They voiced support for a variety of causes, including reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ rights, social security protection and support for Ukraine and/or Palestine, while also voicing opposition to billionaire influences within the government.
Local activists and New Hampshire politicians attended the protest to voice support and gave brief speeches from Central Square’s gazebo. Speakers included State Senator from N.H. District 10 Donovan Fenton, climate activist and filmmaker Matthew Myer Boulton and KSC Professor of History Nicholas Germana, who serves as state representative for Cheshire District 15.
According to Germana, Republican spending cuts impact the University System of New Hampshire (USNH), along with various services provided by the state.
“These are huge cuts to services that benefit the most vulnerable people in our communities in order to pay for tax cuts to the richest people, and a perfect example is [USNH]. We’re already the lowest funded university system in the country, and now they’re looking at [cutting] another sixty-plus million dollars, which is going to have devastating consequences, especially for students who will be taking on more and more debt,” said Germana.
Fenton said he was encouraged to see the number of people that attended the protest.
“I’m encouraged to see people out here in the pouring, freezing rain, who are out here saying enough is enough, who want change and hypocrisy to end. We’re seeing at a state level horrible bills being passed, childcare being cut, public school defunding, transportation and healthcare and other services that we need and rely on, and New Hampshire residents are sick and tired of it,” said Fenton.
Fenton said the protest’s turnout represents how Granite Staters feel about the current political climate.
“This is an amazing turnout in pouring rain, and I think it’s a real barometer of how people feel about the state of the union and how we need change,” said Fenton.
Protesters of all ages and backgrounds came out to voice support and concern, including members of the KSC community.
Professor Emerita of Education Nancy Lory, who retired in 2013, said she attended the protest to stand up for her beliefs.
“It’s a worthy fight, and we can’t be silent,” said Lory.
“Martin Luther King said, ‘[Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,’] and I’ve learned over the years to speak out, speak up, and not be silent,” added Lory.
KSC alumnus Eric DiCesare ‘16 was encouraged by the energy that he witnessed.
“In the 23 years I’ve been in Keene, I have never seen energy quite like this. We seem to be at a turning point, and I think people from all walks of life are starting to see that Trump’s failed economic policies are impacting everyone, from retirees to people of all ages, and we’re all getting to a breaking point,” said DiCesare.
“What needs to happen is the country needs to have days like this happening on a daily and weekly basis, because what’s happening is not right and we’re all getting screwed,” added DiCesare.
High school student Isabella Erb attended the protest to express concerns about the state of the country.
“Our country is crumbling right now and it’s very important as a society that we stand up for ourselves and state our needs, which are basic human rights, and we haven’t been given those. I think it’s very necessary for us to speak our truth and stand for those basic human rights,” said Erb.
The Hands Off! National Day of Action is a national movement that took place across the country, with various cities and towns in N.H. participating. Keene’s protests drew an estimated 1,500 participants despite steady rainfall on Saturday.
Local business owner and activist Beth Caldwell served as co-organizer of the Keene protest and said she was inspired by the turnout.
“I couldn’t be happier, and I think this is an amazing expression of concern for democracy, our constitution, the rule of law and our infrastructure that’s being decimated by the current administration and an unholy alliance with billionaires,” said Caldwell.
Co-organizer Kristen Petricola expressed hope that young people, including Keene State College students, would participate in civic conversations.
“For a lot of folks between the ages of 18 and 24, there’s a lot of skepticism about politics, which is understandable. This is about social action, and as we widen our democracy and improve it, we have to include and welcome people who are full of energy and ideas, and we’re trying to welcome those energies and ideas separate from a partisan view of politics,” said Petricola.
Ryan Pacheco can be contacted at
rpacheco@kscequinox.com
