Peaceful Assembly + Being the Light

Friends -

This upcoming Saturday, a No Kings rally (hosted by Indivisible Sumner) will be held in downtown Gallatin, TN to speak out against the current administration. After all, we have the first amendment right to peaceful assembly, and - in the United States of America - we don’t have kings.

In a country where so many rights have been granted because of pressure created by peaceful assembly, it’s been shocking to watch the vitriolic reactions to this upcoming rally. People who typically support the right to assemble are suddenly astounded that we would have the audacity to gather and demonstrate. Unfortunately, this shock and disgust seems to have formed directly down party lines.

But here’s the thing - this rally isn’t about political parties. It’s about people showing up for each other and the values that connect us. It’s about building community in a time when it’s all too easy to feel divided or discouraged. It’s about creating connection - being together in person, reminding us that we’re not alone and that we have more in common than we often think.

So much of what we see online feels designed to pull us apart - but that’s not who we are. When we gather in real life, standing shoulder to shoulder, listening to other perspectives, and learning from the people around us - we begin to rebuild the kind of trust and community that makes progress truly possible.

This rally isn’t about shouting the loudest and it’s certainly not about doing harm to our community. It’s about standing together - peacefully and proudly - for the freedoms we believe in, especially the freedom to gather and raise our voices with hope, not with hostility.

If you’re able to join us, I’d love to see you there. Come as you are (but wear rainboots and a poncho, too). Bring a sign if you’d like. Bring your friends and your family, and above all else - bring an open heart and a willingness to listen and learn. This is a space for everyone who believes in a democracy that works for all of us.

Amanda Gorman said, “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.” This Saturday, we have a chance to be the light. Are you ready?

I’ll see you there.

Looking forward,
Megan Lange
Chair, Sumner County Democratic Party