Pressley Celebrates MLK Day in Roxbury Amidst Trump’s Inauguration Chaos
In a bold move of community solidarity, Rep. Ayanna Pressley chose to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Roxbury instead of attending President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Pressley announced her decision to boycott Trump’s second inauguration earlier this month, opting for a “Day of Beloved Community” in Nubian Square.
A Day of Hope and Solidarity
On Jan. 20, community members, local leaders, and constituents gathered at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building for Pressley’s MLK Day celebration. The event included face-painting, food, and messages of hope while Trump was being sworn in as president nearly 400 miles away. Pressley, addressing the crowd, emphasized that the power to enact transformative change has always resided in the people, regardless of who holds political office.
Representatives from various organizations, including Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Advancement, joined Pressley to discuss initiatives to improve legal access for immigrants and protect their rights. Maroni Minter of MIRA emphasized the importance of solidarity in dismantling barriers of racism, xenophobia, and inequality.
Inspiring Hope and Community Engagement
Anne Rousseau, a resident of Jamaica Plain, expressed her fears of regressing into a “racist” and “homophobic” society under Trump’s presidency but found inspiration in Pressley’s leadership. Rousseau highlighted Pressley’s ability to inspire hope and unity among people. Kenann McKenzie-DeFranza, an elected member of the Beverly School Committee, noted the importance of events like Pressley’s MLK Day celebration in inspiring young people to engage and participate in their communities.
Pressley, in her remarks to reporters, emphasized the importance of studying the words of oppressors to inform strategies moving forward. Despite Trump’s predictable threats, Pressley remains committed to using Dr. King’s teachings to envision a more just world and see it through.
As Molly Farrar, a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, captured the essence of Pressley’s celebration, it was a day of hope, community, and resilience in the face of political chaos. Pressley’s decision to stand with her constituents and honor Dr. King’s legacy showcased a commitment to unity and transformative change. Amidst the swirl of inauguration chaos, Pressley’s message of hope and solidarity resonated with all who attended, inspiring a renewed sense of purpose and engagement in the community.
