NORTHAMPTON — “Nobody knows how to start a revolution better than us,” said U.S. Sen. Ed Markey Sunday afternoon at Pulaski Park, where more than 800 people came to collectively ignite the sparks of revolution against what they described as President Donald Trump’s “technocratic dictatorship.”

“Everything is on the line,” added Markey, who headlined the rally before heading off to a similar event in Pittsfield. And in the path ahead, he said, “We cannot agonize, we must organize.”

Around him were the dozen or so other speakers from the day — local officials and Democratic legislators, including Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, members of the Northampton City Council, state Sen. Jo Comerford and state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa. They took the podium alongside various activists of grassroots organizations throughout western Massachusetts at the two-hour event organized by Northampton Resists.

Markey told those present that Massachusetts has consistently taken the right side of history. No taxation without representation, as well as the abolitionist and suffragette movements, all gained momentum here — all once progressive causes that are now part of the fabric of American life, Markey explained.

“They stood up, they won,” he said, which was met with a roaring applause, and further egged on his base to continue to be the nation’s conscience and “prevailing voice” in 2025.

In comments echoed by other speakers, Markey said the state would continue to be a haven for immigrants, the LGBTQ community — and anyone who doesn’t belong to Trump’s “millionaire boys club dojo.”

“Donald Trump is targeting us because he believes we’re a sanctuary state — and he’s right, because we’re a sanctuary for people who feel oppressed,” Markey said. “It’s time for Republicans to understand that national security means health, housing and financial security for everybody in our society.”

He also said that several Trump administration moves have been a direct assault on the state, including cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and he mourned the fact that there are rumors of slashes to Medicaid.

“We rank No. 1 per capita in NIH funding,” which he said in 2024 totaled $3.5 billion in funding toward cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes research. While Trump’s cuts are currently blocked by a federal judge, the cuts would be disastrous to this research, Markey said.

In her role as state senator, Comerford said the fight will include ensuring the state is a “line of defense,” especially for the protection of reproductive and LGBTQ rights.

“Our job is to stay informed, engaged and active, and it’s our job to walk a new path, because there is no playbook,” she said.

Sabadosa carried on with that thought, noting that a playbook doesn’t exist because there has never been a historical moment like this.

“Please do not let anyone tell you that this is normal. Do not let anyone say, ‘Oh, this is similar to what happened in the Reagan years or the Clinton years,’” she said. “We have not found ourselves in a position where technocrats have tried to take over our government — ever.

“I don’t care what your politics are. It is time to call everybody in. To get on this path to fight together,” she added.

Sabadosa, who rallied her constituents to be loud after she began speaking, also recommended that they take action first and foremost by taking care of their friends and neighbors, and reminded those present to enjoy “a little beauty everyday” and to “keep fueling yourselves.”

She said that while it may come across as corny, “it may be a long time” before the government returns to serving the public good, and that people should be there for each other in a way the federal government refuses to be.

‘America is for everyone’

Organizers of Sunday’s rally moved it to Pulaski Park after realizing that a large crowd was likely. That proved true, as people filled the park, many waving signs and flags, and some climbing the emergency stairs at the side of the Academy of Music building.

Among the crowd was Diana Belmonte, who stood with her dog Rosie and held a sign that said, “America is for everyone.” The rally encouraged her that the Democratic Party is taking a stand against Republicans who she said are “recycling an old lie” by saying that minorities lead to economic instability.

“They want to distract us by saying that if we get rid of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) we’ll fix this country, which is an obvious lie,” she said. “I think that the core thing is that the United States is for everyone. And arguably, this country has never really, truly been great, because we’ve never honestly and accurately confronted our past.”

She added that, “If you have any questions, just refer to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights,” to make the point that the values enshrined in these texts is a message of inclusivity.

Gretchen Parker said the energy on Sunday resonated with her.

“I feel like I needed this. I needed to take action. I needed to be a part of something,” she said.

Al Cennerazzo said he came out to listen because he believes in protections for minorities that the Democrats advocate for. However, he said he would like to see more emphasis on economic issues.

“During the last election I could understand why they were talking so much about fascism,” he said. “But that doesn’t resonate with a lot of people. They didn’t talk enough about what the average person is talking about.”

Paris Lawrence, who is homeless in the city, held a similar opinion. “I love what they’re saying, but it doesn’t seem like anyone is focused.”

“I think the Democrats need to step up with a better economic agenda,” Lawrence said, noting that, for him personally, the talk about a “fascist” Trump presidency lacks relatability. “It’s not tangible.”

Samuel Gelinas can be reached at sgelinas@gazettenet.com.