Neighbor News
Ridgefield Resistance Holds Rally and Vigil
Rally for John Lewis's "Good Trouble" and Vigil for Those Killed in DHS Encounters and Detention
Ridgefield Resistance held a pop-up rally and vigil on Main Street on July 20, gathering in front of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.
The event combined two purposes: honoring the legacy of John Lewis and his lifelong fight for voting rights — making "good trouble," as he liked to say — and paying tribute to the lives cut short in DHS detention or shot in the streets by DHS agents (ICE or CBP).
State Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo spoke to the moment, explaining how the federal government is working to compromise the foundational American right to vote, and how Connecticut is acting to protect that right for its citizens. Her remarks named the dangers of federal overreach while also striking a note of hope and confidence in Connecticut's response, highlighting how Attorney General William Tong has sued the Trump administration and often prevailed.
Following her remarks, the group held a solemn reading of the names of the 31 people who died in custody or in the streets, along with their ages and where and when they died. Their average age was 42.
Afterward, participants lined the edge of Main Street with signs voicing their support for democracy, exchanging waves and nods with passing drivers — many of whom honked, now a familiar signal of support for the people and the message on display.
With the sun setting behind the church, rallygoers packed up their signs, 31 names still echoing in the air.
