On Saturday, March 29, a group of mostly Waltham residents gathered on the sidewalk beside the intersection of Moody St. and Main St.  The force of about 50 to 60 people protested the Trump administration and declared their perceived notion that his cabinet members and plans for the country are infringing on democracy. Many of the protesters held hand-painted posters and waved American flags. Their signs read, “RESIST,” “Abolish [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] ,” “Women’s Rights = Human Rights,” “My Body My Choice,” “Science is Real,” “When one voice speaks for all, no one is heard,” “Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere,” “Diversity Makes Us Stronger” and many other short phrases capturing similar sentiments. For nearly two hours they chanted slogans off the signs and cheered when cars honked as they passed by. 

In a March 29 interview with The Justice on March 29, a Waltham resident stated that they, along with another resident, planned the protest about a month ago. They wanted to bring the problems they witnessed in the country “as close to the community as possible.” The organizers elaborated, stating, “We need hundreds. We need thousands. We need everyone” to make a difference. The concerns they expressed mainly surrounded women's rights and increasingly strict immigration policy. “People in Waltham are worried. People are afraid to go out, afraid to go to school," said the protester regarding news of mass deportations. They speculated on the reversal of the country towards times when women “had to fight for basic human rights.” The protester cited a woman in Georgia who is facing felony charges for disposing of her miscarriage in a dumpster. They feared the implications this has on a woman's right to privacy and agency over her body. “The country is nuts,” they said. The lifelong Waltham resident said the goal of the protest was to make people notice  the state of the country and take pause. 

Another protest will be held on Saturday April 5 on the Waltham Common.