Neighbor News
Rally Brings Hope to Ridgefield
Large, peaceful march at Town Hall promoting democracy and voting rights in honor of civil rights figure and Congressman John Lewis
More than 200 marchers converged on Ridgefield’s Town Hall in 90 degree heat on July 17 at 5 PM to make their voices heard for Good Trouble Lives On, a nationwide rally honoring the legacy of the civil rights figure and Congressman John Lewis. Tracy Craighead kicked things off shouting “Good Trouble” through a bullhorn; the crowd responded, “Lives On.” Signs with slogans like “Freedom over Facism” and “Crushing Tyranny since 1776” showed a united pro-democracy message. Music, DJ’d by Scott Kemp, galvanized the crowd.
The Rev. Dr. Whitney Altopp from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, down the street, hosted the event and spoke first. “Remembering the work of John Lewis encourages me, gives me courage,” she told the crowd. “I’m reminded that humans have always been fighting for their humanity against forces which seek to dehumanize people. I’m simply taking my place in the ongoing work.”
Aimee Berger-Girvalo, the town’s state representative, let the crowd know that Connecticut had passed a state version of the John Lewis Voting Act that Democrats have been trying to pass for years at the federal level. Next Peter Kent, President of the Daily Bread Food Pantry in Danbury, explained how Trump administration policies have cut their ability to feed those in need. Finally, Aarev Puri, a 15-year old Ridgefield High School student, described his path to activism and conveyed hope that the movement would eventually succeed. “One day enough small actions will build up to flood the walls of the regime so it cannot stand any longer.”
Reflecting on the rally, local resident Marilyn Gordon explained her motivation for joining the movement. “I became involved,” she said, “because it is frightening to see the authoritarian trend of our present administration. The current state of our country is not the country I grew up in. I want a more caring, equal, and just country for my grandkids.”
After the speeches, organizers led the protesters as they spread out in colorful lines on both sides of Main Street. Drivers showed support with honks and waves, while the crowd shouted and hollered back in appreciation. Many a senior citizen waved their signs and swayed to the music. Some activists danced, others sang, and all seemed reassured to feel the energy of a crowd living up to the name of the protest.
Ridgefielder Carol Buchwald seemed to reflect the feelings of many during the event. “The day was inspirational; it made me more hopeful.”
Toward the end, one young member of the group was given the bullhorn to sing along to an iconic Journey song. She belted out the words that echoed that hope —“Don’t Stop Believin’.”
On the suddenly quiet street, the clean up crew was surprised to see they were left without a job. The only thing left on the street was the sense of hope generated by the rally.
This article was written by Rachel Federman and Ed Federman.
